The A1 Grand Prix, known as the "World Cup of Motor Sports," will come to Beijing during its 2006/07 season.

"We are very excited to bring a new event to Beijing," said David Clare, chief operation officer for A1GP. "We will have 13 races this year, and two will be in China. One is Shanghai and one in Beijing."

According A1 series' second season calendar, there will be 25 countries competing in 13 races from October 1 to April 29, 2007.

New races have been confirmed in the Dutch city of Zandvoort, the city of Brno in the Czech Republic and Beijing.

The Beijing stage will be a street race held on November 5 in the newly built street circuit in southern Beijing's Yizhuang development zone.

"The race venue is the important thing for Beijing. This location makes it more convenient," Clare said.

"We are now in the process of starting construction, which will be done at the highest standard, so that we will have one of the best street races in the world."

Since China's Shanghai International Circuit has been the site of the Formula One Grand Prix for two years, motor sports marketing in China has drawn the world's attention. This year, the A1 series is also eyeing marketing opportunities in Beijng.

"The opportunity offered by the Beijing market is something that every team is very excited about, so we are looking at the long-term relationship, not just for this single event," Clare said.

Dubbed the "World Cup of Motor Sports," the A1 Grand Prix pits drivers against each other for the glory of their home countries, meaning spectators will see national flags printed on the cars and hear national anthems played from the podium.

Since all the cars have the same engine, chassis, body and tyres, drivers' skills will be one of the key determinants in any victory.

Compared with Formula One, which attracts people with its fierce racing, A1 aims to attract people by appealing to their national pride.

"It's about national pride, like the soccer World Cup or any other major international sports competition.

"People may watch something that they are not (otherwise) interested in, so we are hoping that most our audience comes to watch because they want to watch Team China, not necessarily because they are interest in racing."

(China Daily September 26, 2006)