05/05/2006
NEWS STORY
A1 Grand Prix management wrapped up several days of meetings today outside of Johannesburg, South Africa, where discussions focused on a review of year-one and plans for the future of the racing series.
"We're very pleased with the success we enjoyed in year one – acknowledging that we experienced growing pains like any new series would," stated CEO Bruce Holmes. "However, we're taking this off-season to make improvements where they're needed. We're committed to providing a quality product and continually improving the Series to deliver a bright future for our teams and fans."
Issues discussed include scheduling for season two and beyond, the race format, sporting and technical regulations, expanding commercial opportunities, new teams (Franchises), and potential new race circuits.
"We'll be implementing most of the decisions we arrived at in the next few weeks, but some matters will be discussed with A1 Team seat holders before further consideration," said Holmes. "A1 Grand Prix is a first class racing series, in a unique and competitive nation versus nation environment. As we grow we'll continue to review issues relevant to the quality of our product – and we'll continue to make changes where needed."
The response A1 GP has had from popular race websites has been very positive. "Like any other new series, we've had some strong teams, and others who're weaker. That was expected, but we also have more than a dozen potential suitors for new national franchises interested in joining A1GP. We expect to have at least twenty-four cars on the grid for Zandvoort and will be announcing further race dates and venues later this month."