A1 Grand Prix - Something to look forward to!. Review on Motorbike Racing

If you are sick and tired of watching India lose out to any Tom, Dick and Harry in the final of a tournament, read on. I am writing this review for people like me who want to divert their minds to a new sport after the recent spate of events that has shaken the confidence of the Indian cricket fans.

A1 Grand Prix – A new motorsport

If you have even the slightest idea about Formula 1, then you will surely enjoy A1. The major difference between the two motorsports is that in F1, different companies (teams) compete against each other whereas A1 is a contest among nations. A1 has been dubbed as the world cup of motorsport.

What does A1 stand for?

Like F1 stands for Formula 1, A1 has no specific long form, but the A is for the continents on the planet (since most of them begin with A – Asia, Africa, Australia, North [A]merica) and 1 stands for their unity and symbolizes their coming together. Besides, in most dialects, A1 is a gesture of being the best and the highest degree.

When did A1 originate?

A1 was sanctioned officially on the 30th of March, 2004 by the FIA (the governing body of motorsports). A1 was the brainchild of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum of Dubai.

The first season of the A1 Grand Prix starts coming weekend. (25th September, 2005)

Participating Teams

As of now, A1 Grand Prix comprises of 25 participating teams which include: (in alphabetical order.)

--Australia

--Austria

--Brazil

--Canada

--China

--Czech Republic

--France

--Great Britain

--Germany

--Indonesia

--INDIA

--Israel

--Italy

--Japan

--Lebanon

--Malaysia

--Mexico

--Netherlands

--New Zealand

--Pakistan

--Portugal

--Republic of South Africa

--Russia

--Switzerland

--United States of America

Team India

Currently, the two drivers who will feature in the first season of the A1 Grand Prix are Karun Chandhok and Armaan Ebrahim. However, the rules allow an optional third driver to race too.

The A1 Season

The A1 Grand Prix has been designed to be held during the off season of world motorsport (from September to April). Races will be held on alternate Sundays. The A1 Calendar comprises of 12 host nations which include the following circuits: (in chronological order.)

--Great Britain (25th September, 2005)

--Germany (9th October, 2005)

--Portugal (23rd October, 2005)

--Australia (6th November, 2005)

--Malaysia (20th November, 2005)

--UAE (11th December, 2005)

--Indonesia (15th January, 2006)

--South Africa (29th January, 2006)

--Brazil (12th February, 2006)

--Mexico (26th February, 2006)

--United States of America (19th March, 2006)

--China (2nd April, 2006)

The Cars

A1 is different from F1 in a big way because all the teams are given an equal and fair chance. ie. In F1 teams can modify the hydraulics, aerodynamics, suspension, etc. of their respective cars whereas in A1, all participating teams have exactly identical cars. The cars in use are the Lola V8 Single Seater.

Live Telecast

In India, the A1 Grand Prix will be covered live by ESPN – Star Sports. (For the exact timing refer to the “Today’s Action” column in Times Sport in the Sunday Times coming Sunday.)

What to expect

To be frank, going by the results of the practice sessions, India is not among the top teams in A1. But, this is just the beginning. I am sure that growing support of Indian fans towards the sport will definitely have a positive effect.

All in all, A1 is a great sport to look forward to by people all over the world as it promises fun filled action along with sky rocketing speeds.