Monaco, 19 October 2004:
A1 Grand Prix was the talk of SPORTELMonaco after international television sports executives were able to find out first hand what the exciting new international motor racing series will be able to offer viewers worldwide.

At SPORTELMonaco, which is the largest and most important meeting place for international television sports executives, the A1 Grand Prix car took centre stage, and the series has now not only concluded several major television rights deals, but also initiated discussion with further significant international broadcasters.

The series that captured the imagination of the broadcasters is the first ever World Cup of Motorsport. It will begin in Autumn 2005, and will pit country versus country in a unique one-make series that brings together the worlds of business and motorsport. Attending the four day event was A1 Grand Prix creator His Highness Sheikh Maktoum Hasher Maktoum Al Maktoum member of the ruling family of Dubai, who was able to discuss his concept with not only the broadcasters, but also Prince Albert of Monaco, a keen sport fan.

While the car on display caused much interest, the series itself proved a sure fire winner in the world of television. The negotiations for the tv rights deals are in the capable hands of Richard Dorfman, the Broadcast Director of A1 Grand Prix, who negotiated the rights for the last Rugby and Football World Cups. He said:

“SPORTELMonaco was a great success for A1 as it provided a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase our series to the majority of the world’s broadcasters. The reception we received from them was extremely positive, with some deals signed, and many others now in negotiation. The enthusiasm generated for the A1 concept was universal and holds the forthcoming championship in good stead for all of the national seat holders in what will become the World Cup of Motorsport”.