a1 grand prix (a1gp) was a 'single make' open wheel car auto racing series. it was different from most racing series. the drivers represented their nation as opposed to themselves or a team. the series was ratified by the fédération internationale de l'automobile (fia). races were held in the traditional formula one off-season, winter the northern hemisphere. the seeries was founded by sheikh maktoum hasher maktoum al maktoum of dubai in 2003. tony teixeira took control of the series in 2006, leading it to liquidation by 2009.