A1Grand Prix series, the “World Cup of Motorsport” has called off its planned opening rounds in Surfers Paradise but series boss Tony Teixeira insists the championship is not dead.
An official press release stated: “The series found itself in a race against time to make the deadline for when its cars would have to leave the UK to be on track in Surfers Paradise next Thursday. The series organisers never doubted this was possible, but today have been forced to accept this now cannot happen.
“I want to personally apologise to the people affected by this regrettable but unavoidable decision," said Teixeira.
“In view of what has happened A1GP will refund to Gold Coast Motor Events Co the sanction fee paid, and will donate AUS $50,000 to a charity designated by them. Also contractors engaged directly by A1GP who have already incurred expenses on our behalf will be fully reimbursed.”
Replacing the IndyCar Series - which could not agree on a date with the Surfers authorities - at the famous Australian street race was a massive coup for A1GP.
The Surfers meeting will still go ahead with the V8 Supercar championship now the sole headline category.
The long-standing rumours about A1GP's future and financial health had reached fever pitch following the 2008/2009 season. A1GP Operations Ltd, the championship's operating arm, went into liquidation, and there were suggestions that Ferrari wanted the championship to return its engines in a row over payment.
photo:WRI2
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An official press release stated: “The series found itself in a race against time to make the deadline for when its cars would have to leave the UK to be on track in Surfers Paradise next Thursday. The series organisers never doubted this was possible, but today have been forced to accept this now cannot happen.
“I want to personally apologise to the people affected by this regrettable but unavoidable decision," said Teixeira.
“In view of what has happened A1GP will refund to Gold Coast Motor Events Co the sanction fee paid, and will donate AUS $50,000 to a charity designated by them. Also contractors engaged directly by A1GP who have already incurred expenses on our behalf will be fully reimbursed.”
Replacing the IndyCar Series - which could not agree on a date with the Surfers authorities - at the famous Australian street race was a massive coup for A1GP.
The Surfers meeting will still go ahead with the V8 Supercar championship now the sole headline category.
The long-standing rumours about A1GP's future and financial health had reached fever pitch following the 2008/2009 season. A1GP Operations Ltd, the championship's operating arm, went into liquidation, and there were suggestions that Ferrari wanted the championship to return its engines in a row over payment.
photo:WRI2