New A1GP car revealed

A1GP has revealed the first image of the new Ferrari-designed car it will use as of next season.

The CAD drawing was released ahead of the car's inaugural shakedown test in Southern England on Friday, when ex-Formula One star turned Sky Sports commentator John Watson takes to the wheel.

The car is based on the F2004 chassis which scored 15 out of 18 victories on its way to victory in the 2004 F1 Constructors' Championship, with Michael Schumacher's 13 wins seeing him take his seventh World Championship.

However, it has been modified to incorporate A1GP's core values to deliver close, exciting racing among a competitive field where overtaking is an essential part of the entertainment.

It is powered by a V8 Ferrari engine producing in the region of 600 bhp.

A1GP Technical Director John Travis is overseeing the design, development and production of the car from premises in Bognor Regis, with the F2004's designer, Rory Byrne, acting as a consultant.

Meanwhile, the work on the manufacture and supply of the A1GP engine is being overseen by Ferrari's Jean-Jacques His.

Excited

Tony Teixeira, Chairman of A1GP, said: "Everyone is very excited about this project and it will be fantastic to see the new A1GP powered by Ferrari car turn a wheel for the first time on Friday.

"We obviously still have a lot of work to do as this is just the first step in what will be an intense development and testing programme, but I am very happy with the progress made so far."

The 'Powered by Ferrari' project was first announced on 11th October 2007 when the most famous name in motorsport signed a six-year agreement to manufacture and supply all A1GP engines for the series.

Ferrari will also provide consultancy on the design of all A1GP chassis from season four onwards.