A1 Team USA 'We the People' Tops Paul Ricard Testing Session

Team USA and Scott Speed Head Standings at A1 Grand Prix Testing

LE CASTELLET, France, Aug. 24 -- Following A1 Team USA's inaugural running in its distinctive red-white and blue American flag design, the team heads A1 Grand Prix's first testing session at the Paul Ricard high tech test track.

Team owner Rick Weidinger commented at the end of the session, "Unveiling our car 'We the People' and finishing at the top of the lap times was more that I could ever expect for our first running on this track. The team really pulled together, and you can already see the team coming together in the garage and on the track -- we have taken a huge step forward today." Rick continued, "It's always good to finish ahead of the pack, but the results don't surprise me, Scott Speed is a very talented driver, and someone with a proven record."

Twenty A1 teams met in the South of France for three days of testing ahead of the inaugural race in Great Britain in September.

Scott Speed, an experienced single seat racer, was delighted by the progress made today and the feel of the car after his first testing session in 'We the People'. He commented, "The car looks great, and it is awesome to drive a car that carries your national colors and name. I managed to complete 44 laps today, and I am now getting an understanding for the car, which I hope will allow me to push even more next time around."

A1 Grand Prix provides national teams and their drivers the opportunity to compete globally on a level playing field with open wheeled race cars that have identical specifications and engines. For the first time in racing history, A1 Grand Prix puts driver against driver and nation against nation. A1 Grand Prix will bring together up to 25 nations representing 80 per cent of the world's population. 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.

"A1 Team USA is taking full advantage of the testing opportunities at the Paul Ricard High Tech Test Track in preparation to show its competitive spirit and performance in the A1 Grand Prix Series. We are counting on our elite team of American drivers and crew to be our point of difference."