• FIA

Todt cools talk of African grand prix

ESPNF1 Staff
October 16, 2010 « Formula One a 'dream come true' for Perez | »
Jean Todt feels Africa will have to wait to hold an F1 race © Getty Images
Enlarge
Related Links

FIA president Jean Todt has stated he cannot see Africa playing host to a Formula One grand prix in the next five years.

F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone claimed earlier in the summer that he felt South Africa could be in a position to host a race inside three years, but Todt does not believe it is viable.

"At the moment it's only some rumours about some interest for some countries in Africa to organise a Formula One event but I don't see any opportunity in the next three to five years," Todt said.

The former Ferrari boss made his claim during a visit to Kenya and he feels Africa is well suited to hosting a round of the World Rally Championship.

"Africa is a fantastic field to organise road racing," Todt said. "It could either be WRC or even the Cross Country.

"We are talking with promoters over the possibility to have long-stage rallies incorporated and we are looking at different opportunities to get the best solution from Africa, Europe, Asia and all over the world."

Close