The opening round of the 2008/2009 A1GP series will go ahead as planned despite not having a full grid of the new Ferrari manufactured cars.

“The situation we find ourselves in is unfortunate. We have a small number of teams who will not be in Zandvoort. While these teams are obviously very disappointed, they understand we have done everything possible but just ran out of time,” said A1GP CEO, Pete da Silva.

Delays in building the new cars has caused the problem which also saw the original opening round at the Mugello circuit in Italy to be cancelled.

Despite the delay organisers claim that there is no threat to the series despite apparent financial problems. London-based hedge fund managers RAB Capital plc, own 52 per cent of the series, and according to media reports have yet to commit for the new season.

The delay in such a commitment has caused major problems with race promoters, unwilling to begin sales and marketing of events that are yet to be confirmed.

Promoter of the New Zealand round  Gary Dawson says they cannot start selling tickets or hospitality until they know they will have the financial support to run the event. Dawson told NZ media that he does not want to be in a situation where the event goes to market and then it gets cancelled. Dawson says he needs to hear from A1GP bosses in the next 10 days so that they can start marketing the event but he is still confident the event will go ahead.

The series seemed full of confidence following the recent successful test of the new Ferrari based cars and the announcement of several new International TV deals.

Despite losing their Australian round, the series will still be seen on Pay TV provider FoxSports although viewing numbers in 2007/08 were disappointing. The Nine Network has retained free to air rights although most races last season were shown well after midnight and several weeks after they were run.

Pete da Silva is confident that the series will pick up after the opening round and he expects a full field at the series second round at the Chinese round of the series at the Chengdu circuit in China on 7-9 November.

For the latest news on the A1GP series check out their website at  http://www.a1gp.com the New Zealand round of the series will be held at the Taupo circuit on January 25 2009 before moving on to the series only street race in Jakarta, Indonesia on February 8.

For Melbourne viewers In Pit Lane LIVE will have a full preview of the new season this Tuesday night when our guest will be Australian 125 MotoGP rider Jed Metcher, we’ll also take you to Melbourne’s VACC Park for Karting action in the City of Melbourne titles.