The A1GP is to replace the Indy Cars on the Cold Coast. Queensland Premier Anna Bligh announced this morning that a compromise could not be reached with the Indy Racing League bringing an end to the history of a major US racing category on the circuit.

Ms Bligh rather pointedly said the the new series would feature the faster A1GP cars instead of Indy cars as well as V8 supercars.

“I am sure the A1GP will be a terrific attraction for both `revheads’ and new fans to the world of motorsport,” Ms Bligh said.

The State Government has been negotiating with the owners of the Indy Racing League over scheduling clashes but refused to move the racing carnival to March at the request of the US-based league.

Indy racing league officials said that they were dissapointed that a suitable date could not be found.it was not due to lack of effort,” said Terry Angtsadt, president of the commercial division for the Indy Racing League. “Chairman Terry Mackenroth and general manager Greg Hooton rolled out the red carpet for the IndyCar Series last month and they are to be commended for their efforts in conjunction with the Queensland government.

“We appreciate the efforts and support of the organizers and the government to North American open-wheel racing dating back to its debut at Gold Coast in 1991, but we will move on offering our competitors one of the most diverse and challenging schedules in all of motorsports

 An in-principle agreement with the European A1GP has been drawn up and the deal will be finalised within a week. According to reports out of Europe the A1 deal is for a five year period.