THE A1 Grand Prix series is set to make its global debut at Brands Hatch this weekend.

Tens of thousands of fans are expected to flock to the famous Kent circuit to watch the event, which is branding itself the World Cup of Motorsport.

A1 will feature 25 cars from national teams representing countries such as Great Britain, France, Germany, Brazil, India, Lebanon, USA and Malaysia.

And, in contrast to F1’s technology, A1 has more basic and balanced cars to create a series of races that should be more down to drivers’ skill levels.

But series founder Sheik Maktoum Hasher Maktoum said he didn’t see A1 as a direct competitor with F1.

He said: "They are two completely different concepts. F1’s driven by technology, innovation and manufacturers. A1 is effectively the World Cup of motorsport.

"In a World Cup or an Olympics, you can’t have one javelin heavier than another. To find out which driver and which country are the best drivers on the planet, you have to provide the same platform and that’s what we’ve done."

The national teams will race in 500bhp, Zytek-powered Lola single-seaters, using fat slick tyres to ensure cars rely on mechanical grip and not downforce – creating more opportunities for overtaking.

Team GBR will be represented by rising stars Robbie Kerr and Alex Lloyd, with motor racing legend John Surtees acting as team principal.

Ex-F1 drivers Jos Verstappen and Ralph Firman will be representing Team Holland and Ireland respectively while other countries will be blooding many up-and-coming racers.

Tickets for the A1 Grand Prix will be available on the gate and cost £35 per adult, with children under 12 going free.

Admission to practice on Friday costs £10, with tickets for qualifying on Saturday costing £15.