A1GP
Launched in 2004, A1GP is a young series that pits nations against each nation in the "World Cup of Racing." In this international open-wheel series, drivers compete for their countries as equals, without any monetary or technological advantages. This approach makes for a more inclusive league that draws teams from countries not normally seen on the international racing scene (currently 20 nations participate). Ferrari has designed the chassis and the engines for all cars - this is a fast-paced series! Races are held in top locations around the world, and are held on twisty street courses and in world-famous venues. The race season starts in fall, and finishes in spring, so it gives race fans some great action in the winter months when the other series are on break. Many drivers from other series spend the winter months driving for A1GP - so check out this league to catch Patrick Carpentier, Darren Manning and Bruno Junqueira, among others.
Scheduled Races
| Date | Event | Venue | Location | Get Tickets! |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10/05/2008 19 | Zandvoort, The Netherlands | |||
| 11/09/2008 15 | Chendu, China | |||
| 11/23/2008 11 | Sepang, Malaysia |
| Date | Event | Venue | Location | Get Tickets! |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/25/2009 11 | Taupo, New Zealand | |||
| 02/08/2009 15 | Lippo Village, Indonesia | |||
| 02/22/2009 15 | Gauteng, South Africa | |||
| 03/15/2009 19 | Mexico City, Mexico | |||
| 04/12/2009 19 | Portimao, Portugal | |||
| 05/03/2009 19 | Brands Hatch, Great Britain |
Recent Blog Posts
Indy Snubs Land Down Under and A1GP Picks Up Key Event
December 1, 2008 - 5:29pm — balanceracingAfter months of negotiation and much pubic criticism IndyCar and Nikon Indy 300 event staff have stated they have not been able to come to an agreement. The future of Nikon Indy 300 (as we know it today) is dead. The Surfers Paradise event has hosted CART/Champ Car races from 1991 to 2007, but could not be accommodated on the IndyCar championship schedule following the US open-wheel merger. IndyCar was insisting that the event be moved to March, which completely negates the existing Australian Grand Prix, a very successful season opening F1 race. In addition to the schedule changes the Goldcoast.com.au is reporting that IndyCar was also looking for another $3 million (AUS) be added to the existing $11.6 million fee to host the event.
Photo Credit: dafydd359
The ripple effect of this decision has already sparked other sad news. KV Racing sponsor Craig Gore of Aussie Vineyards has indicated that he will consider pulling his sponsorship from the team if IndyCar drops the Australian event.
A1GP Fills in the Off-Season Lull
November 18, 2008 - 5:15pm — EOS AdminWell, the racing season’s pretty much over – it’s the time of year that race fans dejectedly hunker down for the winter, dreaming of the first test sessions in Spring. A little-known race league is heating up tracks across the world throughout those cold months of winter.
Photo Credit: McTumshie
The A1GP season started on October 3 in the Netherlands, and it wraps up at Brands Hatch, GBR in May.
Targeted to the patriots among us, A1GP is an open-wheel series that pits nations against each other. There are no driver points – all points are awarded to the nations, and a single country is named the winner at the end of the season. This league has set a limit on spending, and a cap on the number of pit crew to ensure that all nations are on an even keel, no matter how much funding they may have at their disposal. This has made it especially interesting, as nations not normally seen in the international world of racing get the chance to compete, such as Pakistan and Malaysia. All teams drive the Ferrari car (equipped with Ferrari engine) to eliminate any technological advantage.
Drivers attracted to the series include Patrick Carpentier (Canada), Darren Manning, (Britain) and Bruno Junqueira (Brazil). Tune in to the A1GP for the Malaysia race this Sunday and see how your country fares in the “World Cup of Motorsport.”