Monaco join A1 ranks

Monaco has entered a team in season four of A1GP after the move was backed by Prince Albert.

Monaco’s own Clivio Piccione has become the first seat holder to also be a driver after launching his new team along with Hubertus Bahlsen.

Piccione has long enjoyed the patronage of Prince Albert during his driving career and said: “I am very proud to have been able to put this project together and I believe this new enterprise will bring a lot of excitement and glory to our country.

“It is a unique situation to be able to take on these two roles.”

The new team will be run by Graham Taylor, from Gloucester, who has worked in motorsport for 21 years.

A1GP chairman Tony Teixeira said: “We are very proud that a principality with such strong ties with the sport has chosen to become part of A1GP.”

A1GP have also announced plans for a street circuit which will stage the race in Indonesia.

Lippo Village, near Jakarta, will stage the only street race of the series on February 8, 2009.