Full Throttle

The good folks at A1 Podium are reporting a new A1GP team will be announced from the Asia-Pacific region Sunday, reportedly at a cost that runs to seven figures.

Also, there will be about three new venues next season with a couple of the current ones being dropped. David Clare said that they basically already know what the calendar for next season will be and it will be announced in June after consultations with the FIA.

They also report there will be 3-5 new teams next season, 2 or 3 from Asia Pacific, and a couple current teams won’t return.

Additionally, if rumor becomes fact A1GP season four will hold its opening round 19-21 Sept., 2008 at Mugello in Italy, with the second round at Zandvoort, Netherlands 3-5 October 2008.

So, lets do a little speculation:

For new teams I’d say Singapore is at the top of the list to join. The island nation’s government is all into F1 now with this years F1 event and they are in talks to add either as a combined event or stand-alone V8 SuperCar race at some point in the near future. I’d put odds of the Merlion City joining A1 as a race team about 80% and as a race venue about the same percentage.

The only other two Asian possibilities are Japan and Korea. Of the two I’d lean Japan’s direction if for no other reason Korea has mucked up a couple chances to hold Champ Car events (Grand Prix of Ansan) and they had to be canceled at the last minute.

Japan would be a natural fit for an A1 team as the country is very nationalistic and, if you’ll excuse the expression, get revved up over all their sporting teams. For a possible venue the country has many tracks to choose from and feel certain after losing F1 Suzuka would be a prime candidate. Also available is Autopolis, Nakayama and Okayama although I believe those three have to get FIA approved.

Adding venues outside of Asia should include an American stop. As it is, Mexico stands alone as the only North American event on the A1 schedule. A1 can avoid that marketing giant but they do so at their peril.

For teams leaving A1, Lebanon and Indonesia are on my list to fold their tents. They both sit at the bottom of the points table with little to no hope of advancing and the teams get very little “home” support. Chances of both being history, 90%.

Here’s one other Asian venue possibility, The Guia Circuit in Macau. It’s one of the best street circuits in the world and unusual in that it provides more passing opportunities than most tracks of it type.

UPDATE: So much for my speculative powers. Korea is confirmed as one of the news A1 Teams. I’ll still hold onto the thought there’s no way Korea will host an event, although with a team in the series it’s more likely.

Cross posted @ Asian Motor Sports