South Africa will field a new driver for the first time since the Brands Hatch round in 2007 when Alan van der Merwe returns to take the wheel of Vulindlela at the Kent, England circuit in round seven of the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport this weekend.

South Africa will field a new driver for the first time since the Brands Hatch round in 2007 when Alan van der Merwe returns to take the wheel of Vulindlela at the Kent, England circuit in round seven of the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport this weekend.

The 29-year-old former British Formula 3 champion (in 2003) and one-time Honda F1 test driver last represented his country in the A1GP in Shanghai, China in round 10 of season two.

Regular driver Adrian Zaugg is not available, as he will be competing in round two of the World Series by Renault at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium for the Interwetten.com team this weekend.

"The WSR opportunity is important for Adrian's racing future and he has our full support," said Mike Carroll, general manager of A1 Team South Africa.

"WSR is an established stepping stone to Formula 1, with drivers like Poland's Robert Kubica and Germany's Sebastian Vettel among recent graduates.

"We're delighted to have secured the services of an experienced driver like Alan at such short notice. He already has eight A1GP races for South Africa under his belt and has a good racing knowledge of Brands Hatch." - Sapa