F1 set for Morocco Grand Prix?

Formula 1’s commercial managing director Sean Bratches has confirmed the sport is in talks with Marrakech officials about the potential return of the Morocco Grand Prix.

Following the announcement of the Dutch Grand Prix returning to the F1 calendar in 2020, Liberty Media chiefs have targeted a race in Africa with Marrakech becoming a key candidate to welcome the sport back.

While reports have linked South Africa’s Kyalami to a potential F1 comeback, having last hosted a race in the continent in 1993, F1 boss Bratches confirmed talks are being held with Marrakech organisers.

“We race on five continents and the last habituated continent that we don’t race in is Africa,” Bratches said at the Sports Industry Breakfast Club in London. “We have proactively been approached by Morocco and Marrakech to take a Grand Prix there. There is a high degree of interest.

“Formula 1 raced in South Africa before – there is a historic track in Kyalami – but I have been told that due to political considerations historically, that ceased.

“We are looking in the short term to have a race there. It is really important to us to have a race in Africa.”

The new race in Africa could complicate F1’s already congested calendar as it hopes to stick to a 21-race schedule in 2020.

With two races already confirmed to join F1’s programme next year, the Dutch Grand Prix and the new Vietnamese Grand Prix, two races are set to be dropped.

The Spanish Grand Prix looks set to be axed while doubts circle around both the German and Mexican rounds, plus the British GP which is still yet to confirm a new deal beyond this season.

“We are optimistic about the prospect of a 21-race calendar again next year. I don’t think we are going to have more than that,” Bratches confirmed.

Marrakech has hosted three FIA Formula E rounds since joining the all-electric series’ calendar in the 2016-17 season, while the street circuit in Marrakech has also hosted the FIA World Touring Car Cup since 2009.