May 12, 2008 Last October, we reported with great enthusiasm on the ingenious deal between Ferrari and A1GP, the single car, race series that captures more of the spirit of motorsport than any other, bringing 22 nations together to compete as equals, without financial or technological advantage. By supplying engines and consulting on the car, Ferrari is consolidating its position at the pinnacle of motorsport at the same time as ensuring the cars are perceived as F1-level cars. This is the first image of the car which uses a 600bhp V8 Ferrari engine and the highly successful F2004 F1 chassis.
The CAD drawing of the brand new 'Powered by Ferrari' car was released ahead of the car's inaugural shakedown test in Southern England, where it will be driven by A1GP TV commentator and F1 legend, John Watson.
The chassis is based on the design of the highly successful F2004 chassis, incorporating A1GP's core values to deliver close, exciting racing among a competitive field where overtaking is an essential part of the entertainment.
A1GP Technical Director, John Travis, is overseeing the design, development and production of the car from premises in Bognor Regis in the UK, with 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.
The Powered by Ferrari project was first announced on 11 October 2007 when the most famous name in motorsport signed a six-year agreement to manufacture and supply all A1GP engines for this unique series and provide consultancy on the design of all A1GP chassis from season four onwards.
Speaking ahead of the shakedown and what will be an intensive testing programme for the new car and engine, 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. We have a small, dedicated group of people in Bognor Regis and are very lucky to be able to use some well known motor racing companies for certain areas of expertise. I am pleased to say we are on schedule and we will be announcing the date of the official unveiling of the car soon.'