“Second fastest motor racing series in the world, behind F1” - World Cup of Motorsport could soon become a possibility

A1GP, known as the World Cup of Motorsport, is currently seeking a $100 million investment to make a comeback in the F1 off-season. The open-wheel spec series previously ran for four seasons between 2005 and 2009, with teams representing different nations across the globe.

According to a report by Sky News, Sir Kieth Mills, the former director of World Motorsport's governing body, is orchestrating a plan to raise the money to revive the series. Origin Sports Group founder Sir Kieth previously led London's successful bid to host the 2012 Olympics.

The A1GP open-cockpit cars are reported to reach a top speed of 350kph (217mph), which would make it the second-fastest motor racing series in the world behind F1. Talks with chassis and engine suppliers are underway, with a working prototype already built.

The organizers are also planning for sustainable fuels and a 12-race schedule that would minimize air freight costs for financial and environmental reasons. These races will be scheduled between December to Jule spread across Europe, North America, Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.

The A1GP will boast 20 teams on the grid each representing a nation. According to Sky News, prospective investors have already reached out to the organizers, and teams from Britain, China, Italy, Saudi Arabia, and the USA could feature on the grid. These teams would be centrally owned and managed for a sustainable financial model. The teams could then be sold later to raise funds.

Each team would comprise an experienced driver and one younger talent, who could win the seat through an annual competition.

Martin Budkowski, former team principal at Alpine, is leading the project. David White, former global president of French media giant Lagardere, and Mike Gascoyne, a veteran F1 designer are two other names linked with the project.

The series would not compete with F1, with its schedule planned to run in the off-season. With the increasing popularity of motorsports across the globe, A1GP would provide a unique racing experience.

---

Liberty Media CEO dismisses rumors of selling F1

Greg Maffei (right) at the Miami GP

Before the 2023 F1 season kicked off, reports of the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund offering $20 billion to buy the sport were in the headlines. Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei has clearly dismissed any rumors regarding the sale to other parties.

At the MoffettNathanson Inaugural Technology, Media and Telecom conference, Maffei dismissed the speculations saying:

"Is there any chance we’re going to sell this thing and incur corporate tax? That should stop any discussion that anyone says that our friends, the Saudis, are going to buy it next week or something like that?If anybody knows us, they should know that’s just not in our cards."

"We are very enthused about where F1 is now but [also] where it’s going as well," he added. "You look at the big revenue streams there, all have good direction. In broadcasting, we have increased fans and we have increased distributors who want to push the product, including new digital distributors and the like. We have promoters who are our partners."