WASHINGTON, D.C.--Starting with the 2008-09 season, A1 TEAM USA will be powered by Ferrari and use chassis designed by Ferrari in A1GP World Cup of Motorsport.
"All of us at A1 TEAM USA and A1GP are thrilled to be associated with Ferrari, the most famous motor racing organization in the world and builder of exquisite road cars," A1 TEAM USA owner Rick Weidinger of Washington, D.C., said. "We are proud to welcome the Prancing Horse to our team and A1GP.
"A1GP has a six-year agreement with Ferrari which includes an exclusive licensing agreement for merchandise. Ferrari will also consult with the constructor selected to build the new chassis. The decision to bring in new cars and engines and the length of our deal with Ferrari shows the commitment A1GP has to the future of the World Cup of Motorsport."
A1GP is in its third season, which continues Friday with the second round at Brno, Czech Republic. The series mandates the use of a single chassis and engine.
The press release from A1GP distributed today is below.
A1GP World Cup of Motorsport and Ferrari Announce Landmark Partnership
Ferrari to supply engines in long term A1GP partnership deal as well as design chassis and consult on manufacture for new car in Season Four. Ferrari to supply engines to new A2GP Series in Season Five
LONDON, Great Britain--A1GP Chairman Tony Teixeira has announced a truly historic and ground breaking partnership between Ferrari and the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport. Ferrari signed a six-year agreement to manufacture and supply all A1GP engines for this unique series and will design and consult on the manufacture of all A1GP car chassis for use in Season Four (2008/09).
The partnership with Ferrari extends to an exclusive licensing agreement for all A1GP merchandise to use the Ferrari name and phrase ‘Powered by Ferrari’ from January, 2008.
Commenting on the momentous deal, Teixeira said: "Partnering with a world-class organization like Ferrari will officially position A1GP as one of the most significant motorsport series in the world."
The introduction of A2GP was also announced today, a regional single-seat racing car series developed by A1GP to begin testing in 2009. Ferrari will be integral to the growth of the new series and will again supply all engines and design and consult on the manufacture of the new chassis.
A1GP also maintained its commitment to commercial partners and fans as a principal factor in confirming the partnership. "Ferrari will add significant value to our brand and in our opinion there is no better partner to progress the series," adds Tony Teixeira.
"We will be meeting with our commercial partners over the next few weeks to discuss the multitude of exciting opportunities that this partnership presents."
Finally Tony Teixeira notes, "Ferrari has a global presence through its dealer network. We will be working closely with them to ensure that they are a part of every A1GP World Cup of Motorsport event."
ABOUT A1GP WORLD CUP OF MOTORSPORT
Launched in March 2004, the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport is more than just another racing phenomenon; it's an entirely new concept. Pitting driver against driver and country against country for the first time in history, A1GP brings together 22 nations to compete as equals, without financial or technological advantage.
With three days of on-track action, an A1GP event offers a rare opportunity for fans to interact with teams and drivers. Exclusively inclusive, A1GP brings the thrill of international motorsport to billions of fans across the globe.
Now entering its third season and taking in a mix of established world-famous venues plus exciting new state-of-the-art facilities and tight twisty street circuits, A1GP promises to deliver high-speed adrenalin fueled action at every turn.