A1 Team Australia will have a home race next year. (LAT Photo)
A1GP has signed a five-year deal with the organisers of the street circuit in Surfers Paradise and will go there in 2009 for its first race, replacing the IndyCar Series in the Australian event.
“We wanted to go back to Australia and this is the ideal venue for our series," said A1GP Chairman, Tony Teixeira. "A lot of people have worked hard on putting this deal together, and now it has come to fruition it is very exciting. I am aware we are being given a perfect opportunity to showcase our series to the Australian fans, who have been great supporters of both the series and their own team.
"Australia has a rich motorsport heritage and I know our tv fans worldwide will be delighted to have this spectacular race on our calendar.”
The first race on the Queensland track, which has hosted 18 IndyCar races since 1991, will be on the weekend of 22-25 October.
This is a very welcome addition to the track for one particular Gold Coast resident, A1 Team Australia Seat Holder, Alan Jones.
“It has been a big hole in the A1GP calendar this year not being in Australia," said the former F1 world champion.
"To say I am thrilled about this deal is an understatement. Having the chance to race in my own back yard is something special for me and the team. We are looking forward to it and I can warn all the other teams now I aim to make sure we have a home win in Surfers.”
