New backer allows Portugal back

The team competed in the series during the 2005/2006 season, but they had been unable to secure the backing to start the current season until now.

Seat holder Luis Vicente said: "Thanks to the support of Horacio Roque, president of Banif Group, we now have the financial support to put Portugal back on the grid."

The team finished ninth in the series last season, and they are confident that they can be on the pace despite missing so many races.

"We have already shown that we can be a strong competitor," Vicente added, "and we are confident of securing some top finishes in the last four races of this season, before taking on the world next season."

Former British F3 champion Alvaro Parente scored a podium finish for the team in Durban last season, and he is looking forward to returning to A1GP action after racing in World Series by Renault during 2006.

"I really enjoyed racing in A1GP last season and I'm delighted to be back," he said. "This track is a tricky one but we had a good result here last season and I'm looking forward to racing here again."