The decision to move Sean from the domestic U.K. championship to the European-based World Series by Renault, stepping up from a 200bhp 2-litre Formula Renault car into a 425bhp, 3.5-litre Renault-powered Dallara, comes following a meeting at the last round of the A1GP Series in Monterrey, Mexico.  John Surtees, 1964 Formula One World Champion (Ferrari), together with Canadian businessman and A1 Team Canada Seatholder, Wade Cherwayko, decided on an extension of their driver development program which was first initiated with the creation of the A1GP Series and the opportunity initially offered to Sean to race for Canada.

Sean (20), who was involved in the closest Formula Renault UK Championship title fight in 15 years last season, enthused, “This is a very exciting opportunity to race across Europe following a successful season in the U.K. last year.  I’m also excited to be staying within the Renault development ladder for another year, this time at the next level in the World Series.  Looking ahead I’ve learned a lot from racing in A1GP over the winter, not least in driving a higher horse-powered car so I feel I’m heading into the regular season more experienced and with more confidence. 

“To be involved in this kind of driver development program, of which I have to thank both Wade and John, is something that every driver dreams of.  I know there’s plenty more hard work to be done to keep moving but it’s an awesome opportunity and there’s already a track record of drivers moving up to F1 from the World Series. Robert Kubica won last season’s championship and has signed with BMW-Sauber.  Ultimately it’s just a great honor for me to continue to represent Canada in European motorsport.”

Bridging the gap between Formula Renault 2.0 and the Renault-powered GP2 Series, Formula One’s official feeder-series, the World Series by Renault offers competitors the chance to race across Europe, competing at such illustrious circuits as Monaco, Spa and Le Mans.  McIntosh will have the opportunity to hone his driving skills on some of the world’s classic race tracks starting with Zolder in Belgium at the end of April, the first meeting of the 9-round, 18-race 2006 schedule.

On backing McIntosh, John Surtees, the only man to ever have won World Championships racing in motorbikes and cars, explained his reasoning for helping the young Canadian step up to the next level on his career path to Formula One.

“For a number of years I’ve thought a system needed to be put in place to assist drivers in developing their careers.  My experience in recent years with karting and Buckmore Park Kart Circuit only confirmed the need for this.  Having come together with Wade Cherwayko in the A1 Grand Prix program we have now created an opportunity to give Sean the superb opportunity of a year-round racing program incorporating the regular season as well as the winter racing offered by A1GP, but importantly, this is all on the world stage which is vital if he’s to progress.”

He continued, “Needless to say we also feel our program will be attractive to businesses and we hope to attract partners who see the benefits of being involved with a unique opportunity for networking and business expansion off the back of a continuous marketing platform incorporating the World Series by Renault, with the added benefit of the association and support of the reigning Formula One World Champion’s, and the A1 Grand Prix of Nations, through the concept of one nation, one car and the ability to reach into world markets as populous as the likes of China, India and the U.S.”

Francois Sicard, Sporting Director for the World Series by Renault is similarly excited by the prospect of adding Sean’s driving talents to the depth of competition signed up for this year’s championship.

“I’m very pleased to welcome Sean McIntosh to our series.  He has an accomplished record and we’ve been aware of his talents for some time.  Sean is a multiple race winner in the Formula Renault UK Championship and of course, a recent A1GP winner (Round 8 – Indonesia).  I’m delighted that we have a driver representing Canada in our series and I’m equally pleased that John Surtees recognizes the platform offered by the Renault development ladder.”

McIntosh forms a considerable driver line-up for Team KTR in the World Series by Renault, joined at the team by Britain’s Robbie Kerr.  The Belgian outfit, run by former racer Kurt Mollekens, already boasts a race-winning pedigree with the team finishing third overall in 2005.

ENDS – www.seanmcintosh.com

For further information please contact Stuart Morrison Public Relations:

Tel: +1 514 684 3253 / Cell: +1 514 998 5693 / Email: stuart@sm-pr.com

World Series by Renault Official Website:  www.renault-sport.com/en/world_series

Team KTR Website: www.ktr.be