For The Race Fans: Series Profile: A1GP

Entry posted by Stalliongrad January 8, 2016

2,623 views

"The World Cup of Motorsport", A1GP introduced a brand new concept into motorsports and was well received but failed due to improper management.

A1GP Promotional Demonstrator

Series Overview: The Concept of the A1GP Series was founded by Sheikh Maktoum Hasher Maktoum Al Maktoum of Dubai. The Concept featured a single make of cars each representing a Nation instead of a Team or Manufacturer. Racing Teams in each of the countries interested in participating would in essence "purchase a franchise". This would by them the car and equipment needed to run it and the Series would pay to move the car to various races around the world. The rules required the Team and Drivers to be of the same nationality as the car but other support staff were not required by this rule. The races would take place during the Formula 1 off season, so that international open wheel race fans would still have something interesting to watch.

Teams: 21

First Season: 2005

Last Season: 2010

Team USA leads Team RSA (South Africa) at a race in Taupo, New Zealand

A1GP Car: There were two variants of the A1GP Car. The cars were initially designed by Lola and were created in such a way to force more air over the cars front end. This was mentioned to encourage drivers to overtake more often. The Engines were designed by Zytek Engineering. They produced 520 Horsepower and weighed only 124 Kg. They were designed to be as durable as possible because they needed to work for an entire season. The second variant was based on the F2004 Formula One car built by Ferrari who had been hired as consultants. These cars used Ferrari/Maserati V8 Engines putting out 600 Horsepower. Both hosted Carbon Fiber construction.

Team GER (Germany) in second place but in front of Team IND (Indonesia)

Venues: Races were hosted at smaller race tracks which signed on to present the event because of the medium sized nature of A1GP events. Some tracks were International Formula One GP circuits and others were less known struggling race tracks who needed A1GP for some quick cash income. Races took place all over the world according to a schedule put forth by the Series. From the United Kingdom to South Africa and China the races were truly international.

Team CAN (Canada)

Team GBR (Great Britain)

Team SUI (Switzerland) and Team FRA (France)

Points System: Each A1GP race consisted of actually 2 races. The "Sprint Race" used the qualifying grid from the previous day and began with a rolling start. The race lasted for 24 minutes and all teams needed to take a pit stop between laps 4 and 8.

The "Feature Race" also used the previous day qualifying position and the race began with a standing start. Teams were required to take a pit stop between laps 4, 8 and 16 and the race lasted for 69 minutes.

Points were awarded for finishing in 1st through 10th