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• France

A1 Team France have confirmed their driver line-up for the new season, with Loic Duval joining Nicolas Prost at the 2005 title winners.

Duval has already raced eight times for his country, and scored two second-place finishes on his debut at New Zealand's Taupo circuit last season.

The 25-year-old joins Prost, son of four-times Formula One world champion Alain, who was named as France's rookie driver last month.

"It is going to be a close season," predicted general manager Eric Boullier. "But I'm excited about the combination of Loic and Nicolas. We are aiming and high and will try and recapture the A1GP title for France."

The announcement was made at the team's 2007/08 season launch, which was held in the plush surroundings of the Hotel de Crillon on Paris's Place de la Concorde.

Panis on board

France will also benefit from the experience of Olivier Panis this season, with the former F1 driver agreeing to join the team in an advisory capacity at several races.

The 41-year-old, who contested 157 grands prix and won at Monaco in 1996, retired from Formula One at the end of 2005.

Boullier added: "It is great to have someone like Oliver joining the team.

"I know his expertise and knowledge can play a vital role in helping A1 Team France recapture the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport title."