Street-race idea fine, but is F1 itself

WITHtalk of a South African Grand Prix on a street circuit in Green Point making news yet again, is it really no more than clouds of Van Hunks’ rum-soaked tobacco smoke.

Admittedly the Green Point Ratepayers and Residents Association have slammed the proposal, with talk of costs of between R300 and R500 million and referring to the R40 million a year currently required for the maintenance of the Cape Town Stadium (in the same area).

On the other hand, the City Council does not seem totally opposed to the idea. And Alan Winde, MEC for Economic Opportunities said: “For big events or economic generators, the private sector must come to the party. It is definitely not up to government to fund, although we will give support, as we do with the jazz festival and the cycle tour. But we don’t need to put in megamillions.”

More positively, he added: “A Grand Prix will position the city globally as an events destination. It would also create job opportunities for engineers, artisans and others in the industry.

As an indication of what to expect maybe we should look at the situation in Mexico, a country that is back on the calendar with a five-year deal, after last hosting an F1 event in 1992. South Africa bowed out following the 1993 GP at Kyalami.

But while the time gap is almost identical, the Mexicans are going to stage their event on the original 4.58 km circuit situated in a public park in Mexico City.

However, the modern F1 demands have entailed a hugely expensive rebuild, funded by private investors with federal and government support.

The organisers claim it is now 80% complete and will be signed off well before the event on November 1. After the first issue of tickets was sold out shortly after they were made available, they are delighted with the popularity of the race and are confidently expecting more than 85 000 fans to pack the ground on race day.

While well satisfied with the public response so far, the race promoter admits the challenge is to maintain that feeling once the gloss wears off. Also to keep the venue busy during the time between their annual showpiece event, something the stadium in Green Point has not been able to manage.

Unfortunately the Mexican re-entry in November is not going to be to the strains of Bizet’s triumphant March of the Toreadors. The F1 championship – one of the most controversial in years – will almost certainly have been wrapped up by then, with little left for a crowd more accustomed to exciting American NASCAR racing. Emphasising the problem, former FIA president Max Mosley has warned that the sport (meaning F1), is heading for a major crisis, while Bernie Ecclestone lashed out last week and called for a complete Formula 1 overhaul. Ecclestone was particularly vocal about the engines that he claims are too complicated.

“If Ferrari’s in trouble, what chance have other manufacturers got,” he asked.

So while the initial Mexican race is likely to be a success, unless the formula is changed dramatically, the next four years may not be as easy.