Ferrari to power A1GP series

Formula One champions Ferrari have signed a six-year deal to provide engines and design cars for the A1GP series from 2008, organisers announced on Thursday without giving financial details.

From 2009, the FIAT-owned Italian sportscar maker will also supply engines to a new regional A2GP series as well as designing and consulting on the manufacture of that single seater car.

The partnership with the self-styled 'World Cup of Motorsport' includes an exclusive licensing agreement for A1GP merchandise to use the Ferrari name and phrase 'Powered by Ferrari' from January next year.

"Partnering with a world-class organisation like Ferrari will officially position A1GP as one of the most significant motorsport series in the world," A1GP chairman Tony Teixeira said in a statement.

"Ferrari will add significant value to our brand and in our opinion there is no better partner to progress the series,' added Teixeira.

"Ferrari has a global presence through its dealer network. We will be working closely with them to ensure that they are a part of every A1GP World Cup of Motorsport event."

Launched in 2004, A1GP involves teams from 22 nations competing with equal cars on five continents. The current chassis are made in Britain by Lola with Zytek 3.4 litre V8 engines.

The 2007/2008 championship started last month and ends at Britain's Brands Hatch circuit in May after races in the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Malaysia, China, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Mexico.

Ferrari, who won the Formula One constructors' title for a record 15th time this year after McLaren were stripped of all their points, also provide engines to the Toro Rosso and Spyker grand prix teams.

Organisers of Formula One's Renault-powered GP2 support series announced in May that they will expand to Asia, a core market for A1GP, with a new regional championship to run there between January and April next year.