May 16, 2008	Friday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 10, 1429

LONDON, May 15: The A1GP organisers are not only keen to bring the racing event to India but also want to act as a catalyst for the development of the infrastructure in the country.

The first big step to bring the race to India will be taken when David Clare, CEO of the A1GP Asia region, will have discussions on the project with the state government in New Delhi later his month.

“I will be going to New Delhi in the later part of the month and have discussions. It is important that the government understands what we want to do,” Clare said as the the 2007-08 season culminated with an Indian win at Brands Hatch, Great Britain.

”We will educate the authorities how they can also benefit from it. There is a huge competition and we will have discussions with potential sponsors also,” he said.

”We want to bring the race to India in the 2009-10 season. It takes time to promote an event. Holding a race is different from creating an event and we are looking at conducting a street race rather than on a circuit so that more people could have a chance to see the race.

”And it is possible that India can host two races in the same season. Only India and China have the real chance to organise two races. It is difficult to find a race venue in Europe,” Clare said.

On being asked about the possible venues for the race, he said, “We are looking at the major cities. There are 4-5 potential venues...Delhi, Mumbai and a couple of others.”

Meanwhile, the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport has revealed the first image of its brand new ‘Powered by Ferrari’ car for use in season four (2008/09).

A1GP’s own tv commentator and Formula One legend, John Watson, will have the honour of driving the car for the first time, powered by a V8 Ferrari engine producing in the region of 600 bhp.

The Powered by Ferrari project was first announced in October 2007 when the most famous name in motorsport signed a six-year agreement to manufacture and supply all A1GP engines for this unique series.

Speaking ahead of the shakedown and what will be an intensive testing programme for the new car and engine, Tony Teixeira, Chairman of A1GP, said: “Everyone is very excited about this project and it will be fantastic to see the new A1GP powered by Ferrari car turn a wheel for the first time on Friday.

“We obviously still have a lot of work to do as this is just the first step in what will be an intense development and testing programme, but I am very happy with the progress made so far.”—Agencies