Premier1 GP gets provisional approval

The FIA World Motorsport Council's confirmation of the sporting and technical regulations will allow series organisers to take the next step of firming up the supply of chassis and their 4-litre engines. A full calendar of race dates will be put to the FIA in December for ratification.

"This is a very significant step forward in the development of our plans," says Heinz Schurtenberger, chief executive of Premier1 Grand Prix. "From its conception two years ago, we have worked very hard to get to this point in the development of our new racing series. It gives both us and our commercial partners the momentum required to ensure that all our objectives are achieved as proposed."

The series is due to kick off in July of next year, and two of Europe's biggest footballing names have already committed to being on the grid next year.

"We can now continue to push ahead with our ambitious plans," said Colin Sullivan, founder president of the series. "We have already announced partnerships with two of Europe's top soccer clubs - Benfica and Leeds United - and we will be in a position to confirm more of the remaining 22 clubs in the coming weeks and months."