Verstappen and Lammers, for the pride of their nation
Published on 28 July 2005 by Jo Vleugels
Jos Verstappen, the Netherlands' most successful racing driver, is to represent his country in motorsport after signing to drive for A1 Team Netherlands in the inaugural A1 Grand Prix series - the World Cup of Motorsport.
Jos, who has driven in many forms of motorsport from karts to Formula One, will be driving for the team run by another of his country's top racers, Jan Lammers. It was announced in November last year that Jan had become the Netherlands' A1GP Seat Holder and since then he has been working hard on forming the best possible team.
As he announced the deal Jan commented: "We wanted to put together a team we could be proud of as a country and the icing on the cake is having Jos drive for us. He is without doubt the most popular driver from the Netherlands and his results speak for themselves. I am sure the thousands of fans who have followed his career closely will now be waving our country's flag in this innovative new series."
The first event in the 12 race series will be in Great Britain on the 25 September at the Brands Hatch circuit. The other races will take place in Germany, Portugal, Australia, Malaysia, Dubai, Indonesia, South Africa, Mexico and the U.S.A. The Series will be run during the European winter months, known as motor racing's off season. It is the brainchild of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum Hasher Maktoum Al Maktoum, a member of Dubai's ruling family, and is based on a concept where the two worlds of motorsport and business meet. Up to 25 cars will compete in each race all for the pride of their nation.
Jos Verstappen: "Off course it's very unusual having to defend your country. The fact that next week I will climb into a bright orange car not to represent a team or a sponsor, but an entire population does make this very special. I find it an honour that I will be able to do this. Off course I do not have to explain to the real car - and race fans what the potential is of the combination Jan Lammers, Huub Rothengatter and Jos Verstappen."
More info about A1 Grand Prix: site A1 Grand Prix
