21/07/08 - London, Great Britain - A1GP World Cup of Motorsport has entered into a partnership with the Gauteng Provincial Government for the hosting rights for the South African A1GP event, ushering in a new era for both parties and promising to provide significant economic, social and tourism benefits for the province.

It is expected that the A1GP Gauteng event will serve as a catalyst for the creation of a wide range of employment opportunities in the motorsport, logisitical, security and infrastructure sectors. It will also stimulate investment and benefit the hospitality industry.

Says Gauteng Premier Mbhazima Shilowa: "A1GP will give Gauteng international exposure, with about 300 million people expected to view the event on television worldwide. It will add more impetus to Gauteng's efforts to position itself as the home of competitive sport."

"A1GP will position Gauteng as a preferred tourist destination. The event takes the province closer to the achievement of its strategic objective of increasing Gauteng's share of the tourism market to more than 50% of all international arrivals," the Premier notes.

Paul Mashatile, Gauteng MEC for Finance and Economic Affairs says: "A1GP signals the beginning of the development of motorsport as one of the areas with massive potential to boost economic growth in Gauteng. Our association with A1GP is also in line with our approach to supporting the automotive sector as one of the critical pillars of the provincial economy".

A1GP represents the first opportunity in any area of motorsport for nations, rather than drivers, to compete on a level playing field. Technology and innovation are deliberately equalised and performance is determined by human bravery, skill and excellence.

According to Pete da Silva, A1GP CEO, "The series is going from strength to strength, not only commercially, but also because of the fiercely competitive on-track action. We have made a number of exciting announcements for the new season, such as the commercial partnership with Ferrari to supply A1GP engines and consult on the design and manufacture of the chassis, thereby cementing A1GP's position as a major international series".

"Gauteng is the economic powerhouse of the country and also the home of competitive sport, now including A1GP. The people of South Africa and more especially Gauteng can look forward to an event like no other. It will be a feast for the senses" says da Silva.

A1 Team RSA Seat Holder Tokyo Sexwale, says "A new season of A1GP approaches and with it, new and exciting developments. The series is characterised by fast cars, high octane action and beautiful people - all of which also characterise the province of Gauteng. I'm proud of A1 Team RSA, which finished in fifth place in the last season of A1GP. I know that the team is preparing to make the nation proud, not only in the series as a whole, but also when the race comes to our shores in February".

The A1GP Gauteng event will be held from 20 - 22 February at the Kyalami Grand Prix circuit in Johannesburg.