Differences between A1 GP and GP2

A1 GP is a completely different series to any others that are running today. It is not governed by the FIA. The teams represent different countries - that's why it's called the "World Cup of Motorsport." The cars will be very quick - much quicker than GP2.

GP2 is basically a modernised Formula 3000 with completely new (faster, safer and more advanced) cars, and a revamped image.

 

Yeah. What he said.

Also A1 will be run over the winter. I will probably be going to Brand Hatch to see the first A1 GP event.

 

From what I read on the A1GP web site, it is a Spec series, with spec tires, engines, trans, etc....

 

Firstly, there is no way an A1GP car would lap the full Silverstone circuit in under 1 minute. Most likely they were using the shorter "club" circuit (2640 meters). The absolute lap record for the club circuit is held by Felipe Massa, who lapped it in 40.380 seconds in his Sauber C23 on the 11th of May 2004 during testing.

The lap record for the full Silverstone circuit (5141 meters) is held by Kimi Raikkonen in his McLaren-Mercedes MP4-19, set on the 15th of September 2004 during testing - a massively quick 1:16.150.

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A1 Grand Prix - The World Cup of Motorsport (its full name) is indeed a spec series.

The cars are designed and built by Lola. The design originated from a concept sketch - the idea being to create a very stylised and unique open-wheel racecar. From there Lola went about perfecting all aspects of the design - aerodynamically, the cooling, handling balance, etc. The car's creation was a case of function following form, but so far the test drivers have been impressed and stated that they felt the car was less pitch sensitive to Formula One and F3000 cars.

The engines are designed and built by Zytec. 50 will initially be produced. They are V8 units producing 520 bhp, with an additional 30bhp available for a "push to pass" function.

The gearbox will be controlled by a Zytec designed and built "EGS" system - Electronic GearShift. Basically an F1 / SMG style paddle shifter system, but without any hydraulics - it's purely electromechanical.

The cars will run on Cooper Avon tyres, and two types will be available to the teams. One dry spec tyre, and one wet.