For its return to Africa, Liberty Media is considering a Grand Prix in Marrakech
The owners of F1 would like the premier discipline of motor sport to be present on all continents of the globe. After a long period of absence in Africa, the last Grand Prix organized in Africa dates back to 1993, Marrakech would be in pole position to land the organization of a Formula 1 race in 2021.
In this month of May, the game of musical chairs on the stages of the world championship is in full swing. After the official announcement of the Dutch Grand Prix, other countries are working behind the scenes to secure a spot in the world championship calendar.
Formula 1 places great importance on returning to the African scene. Thus, Sean Bratches, Director of Formula 1’s commercial operations division, states that discussions are already advanced for holding a Grand Prix in Morocco. The latter has proactively approached Formula 1 officials to organize a Grand Prix in Marrakech.
As a reminder, the last Formula 1 Grand Prix held on Moroccan soil dates back to 1958. A race in which Stirling Moss distinguished himself, but it was marked by the tragic death of British driver Stuart Lewis-Evans, who was severely burned in his car.
If a return of Formula 1 were to be confirmed on the urban track of Marrakech, it would host a stage of the World Touring Car Championship – WTCR, Formula E – electric formula racing, and Formula 1.
The proposal formulated by Morocco and supported by the country’s government seems to convince. The vast majority of our Grand Prix events are supported by the government, and that’s because it works… Formula E already has a race there (in Marrakech, editor’s note), Bratches stated.
The return to Zandvoort, Vietnam, and a race in Africa increases pressure on circuits at the end of their contracts, unless Formula 1 officially moves to a 25 Grand Prix calendar.
