Nigeria has expressed interest in hosting a Formula One race, according to Sean Bratches, the commercial managing director of Formula One. He mentioned that Formula One is considering a return to Africa, with ongoing discussions about potential races in Marrakesh, Morocco, and at South Africa’s Kyalami circuit.
“We’ve been having very productive conversations in South Africa, and to a lesser extent in Morocco, about bringing a Grand Prix. We’re actively working on it. It’s very important to us,” Bratches said during a Sport Industry Breakfast Club event.
Africa has hosted world championship Grands Prix in the past, with Casablanca, Morocco, hosting in 1958, and South Africa holding races in East London in the 1960s, as well as Kyalami hosting 20 times between 1967 and 1993.
“We currently race on five continents, and Africa is the last habitable one where we don’t have a race,” Bratches added. “It’s a market we’re eager to enter.”
**Morocco Sees Opportunity for Tourism**
Bratches also highlighted Morocco’s strong interest in hosting a race in Marrakesh. The authorities there see Formula One, owned by U.S.-based Liberty Media, as a powerful tool for economic growth and tourism, following the example of the all-electric Formula E series, which already holds an annual street race in Marrakesh.
“The majority of our Grands Prix are supported by governments because it brings significant benefits. We bring global attention to these cities,” Bratches noted.
**Nigeria and Rwanda’s Involvement**
Yath Gangakumaran, Formula One’s director of Strategy and Business Development, shared that Rwanda and Nigeria are also keen to participate in fan events. He cited Rwanda’s successful partnership with Arsenal, which features a ‘Visit Rwanda’ logo on the Premier League club’s shirts.
“There’s strong interest not only in hosting races but also in engaging with fans across the continent,” he said.
Next season, two new Grands Prix will be added to the calendar, with the Dutch Grand Prix returning after a 35-year absence and the debut of a race in Vietnam. However, contracts for Mexico, Spain, Germany, and Britain are set to expire at the end of 2019.