A1 Team France is all set to mount the defence of its title as World Champion of the A1 Grand Prix series when the new season kicks off at Zandvoort, The Netherlands on October 1.

With drivers Nicolas Lapierre and Alexandre Permat, A1 Team France won the inaugural World Cup of Motorsport in a stunning manner, taking 13 wins from 22 races and claiming three pole positions, five fastest race laps and 20 finishes in the points.

Team principal Jean-Paul Driot is confident that his team will again be competitive and be able to mount a stern defence of its title in the 2006/7 season. The first round of the season at Zandvoort kicks off a world tour that visits five continents courtesy of 13 race weekends.

In August A1 Team France completed a successful test session at Silverstone in preparation for the new season.

Jean-Paul Driot, team principal, A1 Team France comments: "The team is ready for the season to start! We're taking nothing for granted and are aware that we have a tough act to follow after such a successful debut season last year. It's clear that the competition will be more intense this year and we'll have to work as hard and consistently as ever. There are some new regulations which will shake things up a little. We should have a very exciting season ahead of us."

Nicolas Lapierre, who will be the team's driver for the first race at Zandvoort added: "I can't wait to get back behind the wheel of our car again. It'll be a very exciting season with new rules and tougher competition. I'm really looking forward to going racing again and defending our crown."