A1GP vs Formula One
After months of chaos in the world of Formula One, things finally look to have settled down, with motorsport boss Max Mosley recently agreeing to drop his controversial £40 million budget cap plan.
However, Formula One continues to face great challenges due to the economic downturn and could perhaps take a few tips from the more economical A1GP.
With teams invited to compete on a level playing field, A1GP is – arguably – much fairer than Formula One and a true test of driver ability, rather than the ability to pay for expensive modifications and sleek cars.
Journalist Paul Weaver claimed in 2005 that "A1 leaves Formula One in the pits".
Writing in the Age, he said: "The essence of A1 is that the cars are identical … There is no traction control and the slick tyres are the same."
A1GP is also a battle of nations, with more than 80 per cent of the world’s population represented on the track.
The action takes place over a three-day weekend, with practice sessions getting underway on Friday, followed by qualifying on Saturday and two separate races on Sunday.
Points are awarded to teams and not individual drivers, reflecting the fact that "A1GP is a team effort and a team sport".
The concept was born in 2004 in Dubai, after Sheikh Maktoum Hasher Maktoum Al Maktoum set out his vision for an exciting and accessible motorsport competition.
Sheikh Maktoum has been involved in developing every aspect of A1GP, from the design of the cars, to the sport’s branding and even the layout of the tickets.
Teams currently competing against each other include Canada, Brazil, China, the UK, Ireland, Korea and Lebanon.
A1GP recently began a six-year partnership with Ferrari. The Italian motor giant now supplies engines for the teams competing and consults on chassis design.
