Fabien Giroix, driver and team manager, was attracted to the competition by his friend Jean Alesi, whom he competed with in championships like Coupe Renault 5 and Formula 3000 in the past. Alesi, together with a number of former-F1 drivers, have announced they will take part in the championship.

Team First Centreville will run cars 17 and 71 in the championship, which will begin later this year.

Fabien Giroix said: "I have always wanted to join this kind of Nascar-style championship, where the enjoyment of the spectator is more important than the technology of the cars. Motorsport is growing in the Middle East and Asia, and it's fantastic to be part of this championship."

Giroix will announce his team-mate for the championship shortly.

Battistino Pregliasco, Speedcar Series Team Manager, added: "Speedcar is gaining interest throughout the racing industry, and we are delighted to announce Team First Centreville as the second team joining the series in the last two weeks."