Trouble for ‘A1’ in Oz?

Whether the 'A1 grand prix' championship can be a hit in Australia is now in grave doubt. The novel Dubai-based open-wheeler category has signed a TV deal with the 'pay-per-view' operator Fox, according to 'The Australian' newspaper. A report said Dubai-based 'A1' met with free-to-air networks 10, 9, 7 and the ABC, but none agreed to the price. The Fox deal may have been at a 'reduced price,' the paper hinted. Meanwhile, Edward Geldard – manager of Melbourne's Sponsorship Unit – speculated that Alan Jones' team will be hard pressed to find much support. ''Even the well-established V8 supercar teams don't find it easy (to find a sponsor),'' he said. GMMF1