Panis to be France's sporting director

The veteran of 159 Grands Prix joined the A1GP squad as an advisor before the start of the 2007/2008 season, but was announced in his new role at this weekend's Brno event.

Panis said he was proud to take up the opportunity with the French team.

"I'm delighted to put my motor racing experience at the disposal of A1 Team France this year," he said.

"I have to say that I'm very impressed by the professionalism of the championship, the performance level of the cars and A1 Team France's organisation.

"This year, the performances are very close and the tiniest detail can make the difference.

"I've always loved the technical side of racing, and my role will be to help the team progress by talking a lot with both the engineers and drivers.

"Finally, I've always been a bit of a patriot as throughout my F1 career I made it a point of honour to live in my own country. So it was normal for me to accept the offer from A1 Team France when it came."

Team France won the inaugural A1GP title before dropping to fourth in last season's standings.

Former driver Nicolas Lapierre has returned to the squad for the Brno weekend to deputise for unavailable regular 2007/8 driver Loic Duval, while Nicolas Prost is carrying out rookie testing duties.