Former race winner Salvador Duran will embark on a return for Mexico in the upcoming round of A1 GP at Taupo it has been confirmed.

Duran has not raced for his home nation since the opening round of the 2007/08 season at Zandvoort, although he remains their most successful representative having won two races in their first season and scored a total of nine podiums.

Having left A1 GP after seemingly falling out of favour with the team, Duran will now return in place of David Garza, who is so far yet to score for Mexico this season.

Indeed, with the nation only scoring five points since Duran left, the team was keen to get the World Series by Renault race winner back to fly the Mexican flag. In addition, Juan Pablo Garcia will compete in the rookie sessions, where he will share duties with up and coming youngster Esteban Guttierez.

“David Garza will no longer drive for the team and we want to thank him for his valuable participation and enthusiasm,” said a team statement. “A1 Team Mexico wishes him the best of luck in the future.

"Two familiar names are returning to the team: Salvador 'Chava' Duran and Juan Pablo Garcia. Chava was the first driver of the team and brought in several podium finishes and two wins.

“Juan Pablo also has some experience with the team and now he's back as a rookie driver. This line-up will start from next weekend's race in Taupo, New Zealand, and both drivers will be joined by Esteban Gutierrez, who won the Formula BMW Europe championship in 2008. Esteban will be rookie driver in some A1GP events.”