A1 GP could make a comeback next year
Motor sport fans have been awaiting the return of A1GP, which was a unique concept in motor racing, but the question is whether it will be back or not? The series was liquidated in 2009, but there have been reports which hint at the revival of the sport.
A1GP was one of the most unique concepts in motor sport, since all the competitors racing in the format represented their respective countries. That is why it was termed as, “The World Cup of Motor Sports”. The series started in 2003, and was founded by
Shiekh Maktoum of Dubai. The series was approved by the sports governing body, the FIA, and as it took off it gained popularity across the globe.
Apart from countries facing off against each other, the race format was also very unique. The qualifying was divided into four rounds of ten minutes each. The teams had to set one best lap in all four sessions, which determined their best time for the grid
in the race.
The teams also had the opportunity to race twice in the day, and score points if they missed out in the first race. Teams used to start the day with a shorter race, known as the Sprint Race which determined the grid for the longer race. The longer version
of the race was called, the Feature Race. After completing the race, the points any team had accumulated didn’t count for the individuals but were awarded to the nations instead.
Both the sprint and the feature race had mandatory pit stops. The sprint race had one, whereas the feature race had two mandatory pit stops. Any team unable to pit within the given laps was liable to be penalised.
Sheikh Maktoum, the chairman of A1GP sold his stake to Tony Teixeira in 2006. Tony was unable to continue the series, and this led to it’s liquidation in 2009. This was the first season when the cars were powered by Ferrari engines.
Many news reports regarding the return of the series have been circulating since its liquidation. Fans all over the globe were disappointed, since the series was a big hit. The concept of nations competing against each other was a very exciting one, and
thrilled fans worldwide.
Although the series ended badly, reports suggest that a financial plan has been finalised and the series will make a return soon. There is a pool of private investors who have shown interest in the series, and races could be held by the end of 2011.
If the series does get a second chance, teams will have to find their own funding, rather than from the chairman of the series. There is a rumor that 18 teams which have been taking part in the series have confirmed their participation. If the series continues,
teams will be participating at some of the previous venues.
It will be great for motor sports if A1GP is revived. The series has caught the imagination of many nations in which motor sports was not seen as a very popular sport. It will be a good step forward to attract masses worldwide through this sport.
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