Kral joins Team Czech Republic

The 17-year-old will make his debut in the series in place of regular drivers Tomas Enge and Erik Janis, who are busy with their summer racing commitments.

Kral was runner-up in the Formula BMW UK Championship last season with Raikkonen Robertson Racing and is looking forward to making the step up to A1GP.

"It's great news for me, although it will be quite tough for me because everything will be new. But I've never had any problem moving up to more horsepower before and I got used to an F3 car very quickly."

Kral's debut at Durban this weekend will be just his second outing on a street circuit.

"I remember the extra adrenalin when I raced at Norisring and I enjoyed it. I hope I will cope well at Durban and that I can finish the season. I'd like to learn the Shanghai track and I know Brands Hatch well from my racing in the UK."

Team Czech Republic's seat holder Antonin Charouz added: "Tomas has been busy with development work for Aston Martin, Erik is in the Mercedes-Benz driver training camp, and my son Jan is preparing our Lola Aston Martin for the Le Mans Series.

"This is perfect timing for Josef. He's shown his speed in Formula BMW and I'm confident that he'll soon get used to the powerful A1GP car."