A1GP World Cup of Motorsport has received influential backing of Brazilian President, Luis Inacio Lula da Silva, for the series to hold its first race in South America.

In a meeting with A1GP ambassador and the Brazilian team's seat holder, Emerson Fittipaldi, the Brazilian President pledged his support for A1 Team Brazil's quest to secure a home race.

Following the meeting Fittipaldi commented: "We are working hard at A1 Team Brazil to raise the profile and awareness of the national team. It is invaluable to have the support of President Lula, Orlando Silva and the Government, and it is a goal of ours, in the not too distant future, to have a race in Brazil, so we will work with them on this important project.

Tony Teixeira, A1GP Chairman, added: "We have always wanted to take an A1GP race to South America and Brazil would be our chosen location given its heritage and amazing drivers like Emerson. We are proud to have him as an A1GP ambassador as he is one of the best known and well respected former motor racing drivers. The support the series gets from the Brazilian fans is fantastic but to now also have the support of the Brazilian government is a big step forward in bringing a race to the region."

The meeting happened last week when Fittipaldi was racing in the Brazilian GT3 Championship with his brother, Wilson. The two influential Brazilians, along with the Brazilian Minister of Sport, Orlando Silva, discussed the team ahead of the new A1GP season, during which all the teams will use the new A1GP Powered by Ferrari cars.