Mexico's dignitaries turned out in force yesterday to support the launch of A1 Team Mexico in the World Cup of Motorsport.

A1 Team Mexico President Juan Cortina introduced the race car at the prestigious Hipodromo de Las Americas.

Cortina spoke of his enthusiasm for A1 Grand Prix.

"We are very excited that Mexico is going to have the opportunity to participate in the World Cup of Motorsport. Mexico has all the ingredients to be very competitive in this new and exciting series and we are very proud to be able to build this winning team."

A1 Team Mexico Vice President Julio Jáuregui followed by saying: "The opportunity that A1 has given us to represent our nation worldwide, not only gives our country global exposure, but also raises the profile of our culture, which is rich in motorsport history."

Welcoming the first country of the Americas to launch their A1 Grand Prix, team founder, President and Chairman Shaikh Maktoum Hasher Maktoum Al Maktoum said he is "immensely proud" to attend the first launch of an A1 team from the Americas.

He also said that the Brazilian team has been sold to Ronaldo, one of the world's greatest athletes and national hero to the 180 million-strong Brazilian population.

"A1 Grand Prix is a truly global series reaching every continent in the world and as our footprint continues to expand, I look forward to increasing our American contingent," he added.

Speaking of his involvement in A1 Grand Prix, Ronaldo said, it is his honour to "represent Brazil in anyway I can whether that's on the football pitch or by backing our national motorsport team."

Ronaldo said that like football, A1 Grand Prix is a team sport.

"Ultimately, it will be the country who will win the World Cup of Motorsport, not the driver. We've won the football World Cup more times than any other nation — it would be great to win the first ever World Cup of Motorsport to go alongside it."

Concluding the official unveiling of A1 Team Mexico, top Champ Car driver Mario Dominguez will drive the A1 car at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez today.