South Africa is accelerating efforts to bring Formula One back to the country with plans to meet the organisers by year-end to discuss hosting a race.
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille confirmed, at a press conference last week, that she and Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie will attend the meeting, which will likely be in December, potentially in Abu Dhabi.
McKenzie's department is leading the charge to secure the event while the tourism department plans to use the opportunity to promote South Africa as a global destination, De Lille said.
The tourism department, which has a budget for infrastructure and maintenance, could also assist with building or upgrading the infrastructure required for the event, she added. A decision has not yet been made on the location of the potential race in South Africa.
The franchise holders want to consult with government its not just a private-sector issue. Minister McKenzie and I will then take feedback to Cabinet as its their decision to determine what is required, De Lille said.
