A1 Grand Prix has cancelled its planned season opener at Surfers’ Paradise in Australia which was supposed to take place next week.
This is the second year in a row A1 has cancelled its season-opening race – last year an event at Mugello was canned at the 11th hour. Several races in the 2008/09 calendar were also shelved.
Is the writing finally on the wall for A1 Grand Prix?
Press release
A1GP World Cup of Motorsport has been forced to withdraw from participation in the Nikon SuperGP on Australia’s Gold Coast on the 22-25 October in what was due to be the series’ first race of Season Five.
The series found itself in a race against time to make the deadline for when its cars would have to leave the UK to be on track in Surfers Paradise next Thursday. The series organisers never doubted this was possible, but today have been forced to accept this now cannot happen.
This decision was announced by A1GP Chairman, Tony Teixeira, who wanted to address everyone involved in the event.
“I want to personally apologise to the people affected by this regrettable but unavoidable decision,” said Teixeira.
“The Queensland Government, Gold Coast Motor Events Co, the management and Chairman of the event have been patient and supportive of us in the past weeks.
“We were proud to be part of what has become one of the world’s most iconic motorsport events, and are devastated at the decision we have had to make. We also know the Australian motorsport fans are very protective of this event and had welcomed us with open arms. To them I also apologise and stress that we wanted to put on a show for them that they would never forget.”
In view of what has happened A1GP will refund to Gold Coast Motor Events Co the sanction fee paid, and will donate AUS $50,000 to a charity designated by them. Also contractors engaged directly by A1GP who have already incurred expenses on our behalf will be fully reimbursed.
One effect of the UK operating arm of the series going into liquidation in June was that access to the cars and the ability to pay its suppliers has been impeded. What should have been a summer upgrading the machinery in time for the first race of the 2009/10 season has turned into a frustrating time for achieving this.
Looking to the future Teixeira said: “We have recently announced 19 teams who were ready to race in Australia. I know they are still committed to racing in our unique series that pits nation versus nation.
“A1GP may be down, but I do not accept we are out. We have had four exciting seasons that have proved we are a force in the sport and now we shall consolidate on what we have achieved to date. My efforts will be on finding a way forward with the support of some very loyal people.”
Mahir C
17th October 2009, 12:17
What is A1GP? It is the one where cars are painted in football clubs’ colors?
StrFerrari4Ever
17th October 2009, 12:31
No it’s the cars painted as different Nations.
adz2193
17th October 2009, 13:14
A driver from a particular nation takes part in Team Ireland or Team Wherever.
You’re thinking of the Super League series :)
adz2193
17th October 2009, 13:14
A driver from a particular nation takes part in Team Ireland or Team Wherever.
You’re thinking of the Super League series :)
PinballLes
17th October 2009, 13:37
It shouldn’t affect the rest of the good coast event this year, most people that go want to see the V8 Supercars, and the V8’s have announced that they are having more races to fill the slots. As for next year with no open wheel catergory, who knows what will happen.
It doesn’t look good though for A1GP though, seriously dents any sort of credibility they might have had.
Nik
17th October 2009, 14:58
Shame. I rather liked the format, and even entertained fevered delusions that it could provide a basis for motor racing to enter the Olympics. After all, if golf and rugby can get in…
Steve_P
17th October 2009, 16:05
I really hope A1GP stays around. It gives me something to watch in the winter months while no one else is racing!
lotusYEAH
17th October 2009, 21:59
a1gp remind me of the old f1 day where the race is close and lot of action.
Gman
17th October 2009, 22:37
Indeed this is a disappointment, most of all for those who have bought tickets to the event and expected to see the A1GP event. It also reminds me how disappointing to me it was that the IndyCar people could not find a way to make the race date work, esp. if they could have paired it up with Japan at the end of their schedule.
Here’s hoping for a better future for A1GP, but it is hard to see that happening.
Net Sticks
17th October 2009, 23:39
So many ignorance…. Nations Cup – ring a bell? Nations – countries, not football teams – that is the one nobody really follows nor gives a damn about it…
Football team existe to play football, not to paint a F3 car with their shirts colours and do some few races… time and money wasted…
Steve_P
18th October 2009, 1:31
A1GP does not paint their cars like soccer teams. You’ve got the wrong series in mind.