With the possible return of a South African Grand Prix in 2023, it seems a good time to focus on the potential legacy that such an event might provide for its 60 million population, 80% of whom are non-white. After all, the likelihood is that it will cost the country several tens of millions of dollars to stage, so what benefits can it provide?
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We can be sure that the PR machine will tell us that about the jobs that will be created and the likely increase in tourism. That goes without saying. Don’t forget that South Africa staged the 2010 World Cup, but that wasn’t over in just three days.
However, I believe that there is a much more compelling reason that can be put forward for staging a South African Grand Prix. From a personal perspective, I’d like to see that happen. I’ve enjoyed a relationship with that beautiful country since 1975 and my wife of 35 years was born and grew up in Cape Town.
The last time South Africa staged an F1 race was 1993 and I was lucky enough to be there as Marketing Director of the Lola BMS Scuderia Italia F1 Team, with our drivers Michele Alboreto and Luca Badoer.