Publicity boost for A1 Team China
(China Daily)
Updated: 2006-01-17 08:45

A1 Team China received a publicity boost on Sunday when it signed a promotion contract with China's national TV station CCTV.

The strategic partnership makes the CCTV the sole promoter for the Team China's A1 grand prix campaign.

The A1 Grand Prix is a brand new global motor racing series that takes place during the European winter season. Nicknamed the "World Cup of Motorsports," the grand prix takes place annually in exotic locations around the world during the traditional international motor sport offseason between the months of September and April.

This championship pits drivers against each other for the pride of their countries, meaning spectators will see national flags printed on the cars and hear national anthems played on the podium. All the drivers compete in a one make, high-performance car, powered by a bespoke 520bhp 3.4 litre 90 degree V8 engine.

To ensure a true world championship, 23 countries have been chosen. They are: Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan, Portugal, Russia, Sweden, South Africa, Spain, United Arab Emirates, Britain and the USA.

Since last September, races haven been held in Britain, Germany, Portugal, Australia, Malaysia and Dubai. Chinese Jiang Tengyi won his first point when he finished fifth at the Dubai event on December 11.

In March, A1 Grand Prix will come to the Shanghai International Circuit. The organizing committee will hold "A1 Grand Prix Carnival Shanghai 2006," to celebrate the show.