Mexican GP deal ratified

– Mexico City signed a deal on Thursday with the International Motoring Federation (FIA) to continue hosting a Formula One race until 2022, after months of uncertainty about the future of the Mexican Grand Prix.

The government of Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, a leftist austerity crusader, had baulked at shelling out tens of millions of dollars to renew its hosting rights. Under the new contract, no government money will be spent, officials said.

“This is an investment with new rules, for the benefit of the city. We are seeking a new formula so that F1 can stay, without the need for public resources,” Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum (above) told a press conference.

Alejandro Soberon, CEO of the company that operates the Mexican F1 race, CIE, said private investment and “new financing models” would be used to put on the 2020 to 2022 Grands Prix.

Officials did not say who the investors were. Mexican newspaper Milenio said they included telecoms billionaire Carlos Slim – Mexico’s richest man – and companies such as Coca-Cola, Heineken and Citibanamex.

The event will now be called the Mexico City Grand Prix.

Sheinbaum said it was important for the city to keep the race. This year’s event, scheduled for October 27, could bring some $700 million to the local economy, create 8 000 short-term jobs and bring 300 000 international visitors to the capital, she said.

The Mexican race is one of the most colorful on the F1 circuit, famous for enthusiastic fans clad in mariachi outfits. – AFP