London, 21 June 2005:
Encapsulating the theme of this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, ‘Racing Colours – National Pride and Culture’, A1 Grand Prix – the World Cup of Motorsport, will make its debut appearance at the internationally- renowned motor racing event this weekend.

With the backing of motorsport legends such as John Surtees and Alan Jones, world football stars Luis Figo and Ronaldo and a host of international politicians and statesmen, A1 Grand Prix is already taking the world by storm, even before its 25 national cars take to the grid for the Series’ first race this September.

Pitting driver against driver and country against country for the first time in motorsport history, A1 Grand Prix will unite 25 nations in a single competition. All racing identical cars with the same V8 engine, no electronic driver aids and matching A1 Cooper slick tyres selected for their control and durability, A1 Grand Prix teams will compete under their national flag for the pride of their nation in the first World Cup of Motorsport.

At this weekend’s Festival, A1 Grand Prix Founder, President and Chairman, Sheikh Maktoum Hasher Maktoum Al Maktoum, a member of Dubai’s ruling family, will run the A1 Car on Goodwood’s famous Hill Climb, stunning the crowds with the colourful sight and awesome sound of the 550bhp single-seat race car.

“Goodwood is the biggest historic motorsport festival in the world and I’m delighted to have the opportunity to display this new motor racing concept at such a celebrated event” said Sheikh Maktoum. “Since its initial launch in March 2004, A1 Grand Prix has been welcomed by fans, drivers and sponsors who all support the idea of A1 where a level playing field ensures success is determined by driver skill and not team budgets. With identical cars and tyres and the innovative PowerBoost system, unique to A1, the Series will deliver exciting racing and an amazing atmosphere. To have 25 cars, each proudly displaying their national flag line up on the grid at the start of every race will be a sight for sore eyes. I can’t wait for the first race this September.”