Former Alpine boss is pushing for the resurrection of A1 GP, the World Cup of Motorsports

The return of A1 GP after 13 years is in the works, with significant names such as ex-Alpine chief Marcin Budkowski, Sir Keith Mills, and Mike Gascoyne on board.

Former Alpine boss is pushing for the resurrection of A1 GP, the World Cup of Motorsports

A1 GP (left, image via: Autosport) and Marcin Budkowski (Right, image via: ESPN)

Former Alpine F1 team manager Marcin Budkowski is spearheading a determined campaign to bring back the famous A1 Grand Prix. Budkowski, known for his skill in motorsport administration, is leading the charge to resurrect the nation-based racing style from 2005 to 2009, except for 2007.

The A1GP idea grabbed the racing world by storm under the visionary leadership of Sheikh Maktoum Hasher Maktoum Al Maktoum of Dubai, giving a novel twist in which drivers represented their nationalities rather than traditional teams. Current Haas F1 driver Nico Hülkenberg won the series with Germany in 2006-07.

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The FIA recognized the A1 Grand Prix series and authorized the championship. The series’ promotion and organization were given to executive directors Brian Menell and Tony Teixeira. However, financial concerns forced the championship’s fifth season to be canceled, leaving supporters eagerly awaiting its return.

Budkowski and a team of motorsport fans have founded the World Cup of Motorsport, the organization behind the A1 GP resurrection plan, inspired by a strong desire to renew the enthusiasm. While the final series name has yet to be announced, the classic A1 GP emblem is prominently displayed, recalling memories of the old series, which had an everlasting effect on motorsport history.

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Sir Keith Mills
Sir Keith Mills (Credits: The Guardian)

The forthcoming championship will follow a familiar format, featuring 20 sustainable-fueled, identical cars. Each nation’s team will blend seasoned veterans and promising young talents, promising thrilling battles on the track. With an emphasis on innovation, an exciting race format is being devised to deliver unprecedented racing action.

Leading the charge alongside Budkowski is entrepreneur Sir Keith Mills, a visionary known for his success in founding the UK’s popular Nectar and Air Miles loyalty schemes. Mills, whose remarkable achievements include his instrumental role in delivering the highly acclaimed London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics, brings invaluable expertise and a passion for sporting excellence. A whopping $100 Million are being spent on this project.

Budkowski, as the CEO of the World Cup of Motorsport, assumes the pivotal role of orchestrating the technical and sporting aspects of the championship. His extensive experience in the Formula 1 world, starting as an aerodynamicist at Prost GP and later holding significant positions at Ferrari, McLaren, and the FIA, makes him the ideal figurehead for this ambitious project.

Mike Gascoyne joins the pair to help with the comeback of the A1 GP

A1 GP, Ferrari powered cars
A1 GP, Ferrari-powered cars (Credits: Autosport)

Notably, famed F1 technical director Mike Gascoyne is also participating in the resuscitation effort, implying that his MGI company may have a substantial influence on the design of the racing vehicles. This partnership assures that a wealth of skill and knowledge will be used to provide an exciting and fascinating experience for racing aficionados worldwide. An event of a similar nature is organized annually under the name Race of Champions (ROC), where drivers compete in various racing formats to represent their home nation.

As the World Cup of Motorsport seeks backing to bring its vision to life, the anticipation for the resurgence of the A1 Grand Prix continues to build. Motorsport fans eagerly await the revival of this iconic championship, anticipating the roaring engines, intense rivalries, and patriotic fervor that defined the A1GP’s golden era.

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