Germany, Indonesia and Russia to join A1 today

Germany, Indonesia and Russia will join A1 Grand Prix today as the Series embarks on its second team test session at the world-famous Paul Ricard High Tech Test Track in Le Castellet, France.

The seat holder behind A1 Team Germany will be announced at an on-site press conference today while details of the seat holders for A1 teams Indonesia and Russia will follow shortly.

The addition of the three new teams means that 20 A1 race cars representing Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Great Britain, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, Portugal, Russia, South Africa, Switzerland and the USA will be seen on track for the first time.

Keeping a close eye on the second official team test session, A1 Grand Prix founder, president and chairman, Shaikh Maktoum Hasher Maktoum Al Maktoum said: "The first shakedown held at Silverstone at the beginning of August saw the competitive spirit of the teams emerge as the top 10 drivers all recorded fastest lap times within one second of each other.

"The Teams have had the opportunity to fine tune their cars and with the addition of another five Teams excitement and anticipation is building for a successful test session and a competitive Series."

A1 Grand Prix will release official timing results at the end of each day's tests. A1 Grand Prix is the first opportunity in any area of motorsport for nations to compete with other nations on an equal basis.

Up to 25 national teams will race identical cars with no electronic driver assistance. Performance is determined by human bravery, skill and excellence. To date, A1 Grand Prix has officially announced 23 of the 25 national teams that will race in the inaugural season of the World Cup of Motorsport.

Following the summer sun around the globe, A1 Grand Prix will deliver 12 weekends of exciting racing action outside the traditional motorsport season, kicking-off at Brands Hatch in the UK on September 25.