United States Unveils A1 Grand Prix Race Car at France's Paul Ricard Test Track

Scott Speed, Colin Fleming and Matt Jaskol to Test Drive A1Team USA Entry

Indy Racing League Co-Champion Scott Sharp to Serve as Team Advisor in World's First Global Racing Series

CASTELLET, France, Aug. 22 -- The American flag emblazoned across its body, A1 Team USA's entry to the A1 Grand Prix series makes its debut August 24 - 26 during a test session at Paul Ricard race track in France.

The red, white and blue colors proclaim A1 Team USA's car represents the United States, but equally important its "We the People" logo -- translated in 37 languages -- will convey a sense of universal patriotism for fans worldwide as they watch their own nations compete next month in what's being considered as the worldcup of motorsport.

A highly respected team of elite American drivers are prepared to test drive "We the People" next week, in the second test session to be held following A1 Team USA's August 1 announcement that it would compete in the inaugural A1 Grand Prix Racing Series. Scott Speed, who has several championships under his belt, including the 2004 Formula Renault German and Eurocup, joins Colin Fleming, whose performances in the Barber Dodge Pro Series earned him Rookie of the Year honors in 2003, and Matt Jaskol, who raced in the North American Formula BMW series and is the current session points leader in the ASA Speed Truck Challenge as well as the leader in the Rookie of the Year points for the ASA speed Truck.

Providing guidance to A1 Team USA's drivers -- and team owner, entrepreneur Rick Weidinger -- is Scott Sharp, recent winner of the 2005 Amber Alert Portal Indy 300 at Kentucky Speedway, his ninth career IndyCar Series championship. Sharp shared the IndyCar Series' inaugural title in 1996.

"Not only is Scott a key asset to our racing team because of his record and team-building experience, he's also a personal friend I know I can rely on as we prepare A1 Team USA to compete in this unprecedented international racing series," said Weidinger, who was previously the owner of a premier IRL racing team.

"I'm excited to be a part of the A1 Team USA," Sharp said. "Rick is very patriotic and wants to represent the United States in the highest manner possible. There are a number of very talented teams and drivers, from all over the world involved in the A1 Grand Prix and A1 Team USA is going to have to work very hard to fulfill our expectations. I'm happy to be able to assist the Team as we get ready to compete in September!"

A truly unique event worthy of such a spirited car, the A1 Grand Prix provides teams and their drivers the first opportunity to compete globally on a truly level playing field with identical open wheeled race cars that have the same specifications and engines. Pitting driver against driver and country against country for the first time in racing history, A1 Grand Prix will bring together up to 25 nations representing 80 percent of the world's population for the first time in international competition. It is the skill of the drivers and their crews that will determine who wins the race.

The global series will take place across five continents -- North and South America, Europe, Africa and Asia -- and will be televised around the world so fans in both established and emerging markets can experience the thrill of this historic international race series.

The series kicks off September 25 at Brands Hatch in Kent, England, and ends in Shanghai, China, March 26, 2006. Two U.S. events are scheduled for the spring of 2006. The international tour also includes racing events in Germany, Portugal, Australia, Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, Indonesia or Singapore, South Africa and Mexico. (Editors note: full schedule attached).

"The A1 Grand Prix is an opportunity for America to show its competitive stripes in a high-profile, high-energy international event," Weidinger added. "Just as Lance Armstrong, one of our country's most beloved athletes, retires from the global stage, A1 Team USA is preparing to take the stage to compete to bring home top honors for our fans and our country. We are counting on our elite team of American drivers and crew to be our point of difference."

A1 Grand Prix was founded by Sheikh Maktoum Hasher Maktoum Al Maktoum, a member of Dubai's ruling family. "The United States enjoys championship status in a number of different sports. We are delighted A1 Team USA will share the stage with an impressive roster of competitors each representing their nation in this extraordinary international event," said Sheikh Maktoum, majority owner of the F1A sanctioned open wheel racing series.