"It's Really Important to Have a Race in Africa" - Formula 1 In Talks To Have A Race in Morocco

Formula One (F1) have turned their eyes to Africa, as they expressed a strong desire to have a race on the continent. They have been in talks with Morocco to host a grand prix in Marrakech, although South Africa is also an option to consider. 

The last time a race was held in Africa was at the 1993 South African Grand Prix. Sean Bratches, Formula 1's commercial managing director, made it clear that Formula 1 now want to hold a grand prix in Africa.

"We race on five continents and the last habitable continent that we don't race in is Africa," Bratches said.

"We have proactively been approached by Morocco and Marrakech to take a grand prix there. There is a high degree of interest."

South Africa is also an option, with the Bratches saying that it is "really important" for the owners of F1, Liberty Media, to have a race in Africa, adding that a race in South Africa was also on the cards in the "short term".

Kylami, the track in South Africa, last staged a grand prix in 1993. Bratches said,"Formula One raced in South Africa before – there is a historic track in Kyalami – but I have been told that due to political considerations historically, that ceased. We are looking in the short term to have a race there. It is really important to us to have a race in Africa."

The need for F1 to have a race in Africa pretty much sounds compelling. Morocco are very keen to have the race held in Marrakech. The country last had a grand prix in 1958, near Casablanca. That race was engulfed with tragedy - British driver Stuart Lewis-Evans died after his car caught fire. 

The Formula E races have been held in Marrakech for the past 3 years. Will Morocco get the rights to host a Formula 1 race?

Header image credit - The Guardian