drivers eventually lost out on penalties but in return the team members and executives were invited to the A1GP race on Sunday.

Chengdu Blades coach Don O’Riordan, a former Republic of Ireland youth player, was particularly excited to be given a warm welcome by A1 Team Ireland, getting the chance to experience the atmosphere of the grid ahead of the races and meet Adam Carroll on pole position ahead of the Sprint race.

Sheffield United’s Group Executive Director, Mike Farnan, and Group International Marketing, Mike Hall-Taylor, both who A1 Team Ireland seat holder Mark Gallagher knew beforehand, also joined the team at the track before inviting the Irish squad to join them at Chengdu’s Irish bar, the Shamrock, to celebrate their successful weekend later that night.

A1 Team Mexico arrived inFerrari as a race driver with the Italian team.

"The public does not know even half of the story about what I experienced with Ferrari," the Honda driver is quoted as saying.

"Perhaps they will be able to read the truth one day in a book," Barrichello, whose future is in serious doubt following the expiry of his Honda contract, hinted.

He said the "right time" for him to reveal the details of his experiences "will come".

(GMM) Formula one observers this week got a clearer glimpse of the appearance of next year's grand prix racers.

Earlier this year, eyebrows were raised when Williams became the first team to test a rear wing designed to the specifications of the radically different 2009 aerodynamic regulations.

The thin and high wing returned to the track this