Could 25 (GMM) The newest developments relating to Formulation 1’s push for a grand prix in Africa might be excellent news for Barcelona.
Over the previous couple of years, it has been clear that Liberty Media, below F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali’s reign, was eager to race in Africa – the one continent lacking from the present world championship.
Three separate initiatives, in Kyalami, Cape City (each South Africa) and Rwanda, have been proposed. Nonetheless, in Monaco this weekend, Domenicali admitted progress with all three has slowed.
“Negotiations are ongoing,” stated the Italian, “we’re step by step transferring ahead and dealing collectively to search out the most effective answer.
“However when a brand new alternative arises, it is very important be sure that it has long-term prospects. We can’t go to a brand new place with out having a assure that we’ll keep there for a very long time.”
Domenicali revealed: “We’re discussing three venues, however I don’t count on any selections within the quick time period. We’re actually desirous about holding a grand prix on the African continent, however for now it’s a query of discovering the best plan.
“Hopefully we can let you know extra about this undertaking quickly.”
Bother in Africa might be music to the ears of fearful race organisers in Barcelona, as Madrid is taking up the official Spanish GP title from 2026 – the final 12 months within the Circuit de Catalunya’s current F1 contract.
On the centre of negotiations for a brand new deal is regional enterprise minister Miquel Samper, who doubles because the president of the Formulation 1 circuit in Barcelona.
“The negotiations are going very properly, transferring ahead,” he’s quoted as saying by Diario Sport.
“That’s the truth, however it additionally means completely nothing. This sort of negotiation, with so many pursuits and so many circuits at present desirous to host a grand prix, forces us to be very discreet, as was the case after we had been capable of shut the settlement with MotoGP and Dorna.”
Samper concluded by admitting there may be “extra competitors from cities, not simply Madrid, that wish to host a grand prix”.
