An exciting chapter in the world of Irish motorsport opened yesterday, with the formal launch of the country's latest international team of speedsters. A1 Team Ireland, which will compete in the newly formed A1 Grand Prix was unveiled at a spectacular event in the Concert Hall of the Royal Dublin Society last night, with many familiar faces making up the who's who of attendees.
In the presence of guest of honour His Highness Sheikh Maktoum Hasher Maktoum al Maktoum, Chairman, Founder and President of the A1 Grand Prix series, Irish government representatives, business leaders and media, A1 Team Ireland’s management presented its plan for the inaugural season. The A1 Grand Prix car unveiled by the team is one of over 20 technically identical cars which will compete in the 12 race series, battling for victory in The World Cup of Motorsport at tracks around the world between September 2005 and April 2006.
Following the launch of the A1 Team Ireland racing car, it will be shown to the public at Motorshow Ireland at the RDS on Friday and Saturday before being taken to Mondello Park for a track demonstration at the hands of Sheikh Maktoum during Sunday’s Failte Ireland International Race Weekend.
Speaking at the launch of A1 Team Ireland, HH Sheikh Maktoum said: "Ireland has a strong tradition of competition in high-level international motorsport that will continue with A1 Team Ireland’s entry to the World Cup of Motorsport. With the backing of Mark Kershaw and Mark Gallagher – all renowned for their motorsport expertise, and a bit of the traditional Irish luck, I am sure that A1 Team Ireland will do their country proud when the inaugural A1 Grand Prix of Nations takes to the grid at Brands Hatch next week.’
A1 Team Ireland, which is headquartered in Dublin with an operations office near Silverstone in the UK, is completing recruitment of up to 20 technical and commercial staff. At the helm is Chief Executive Mark Kershaw, a well-known face on the Irish social circuit, who can often be seen behind the wheel of a Ferrari or Porsche. Mark's background in motorsport inspired him to establish this exciting new project. The A1 Team Ireland line-up is completed by Commercial Director PJ Fallon, Technical Director Andy Miller and Team Manager Dave O’Neill.
Among the fast and the furious at the event were Karla Elliot, socialite prince Richard Kavanagh (or should that be Prince of Socialites, I'm never sure), Andrea Roche and PJ Mansflield. Top model Glenda Gilson was also in attendance, with her parents and brother Damian, as was the gorgeous Lisa Harrison, who is currently dating Mark Kershaw. Bernie and Lorenza Caffolla, Valerie Roe, solicitor Gerald Kean and Niall Farrell were also there.
Stephen Byrne and his gorgeous wife, former TV presenter Louise, also enjoyed the event. The couple are expecting their first child in two weeks time and Louise truly is blooming.
Question of the week: Which hight profile socialite has fallen off the wagon and is partying even harder than ever before?
