A1 GP Comes to Durban
Street Circuit for African leg of World Cup of Motor Sport
The beachfront in Durban is being transformed into a race track for the South African leg of the A1GP World Cup of Motor Sport from 23 to 25 February.
Last year's event was a sell-out success and was voted the best round of the 11-race 2005/06 A1GP World Cup of Motor Sport by the competing nations.
More than 105,000 spectators attended the A1GP event over three days, making it the one of the biggest sports events in Durban's history.
At 3.283 kilometres in length, the very tight Monte Carlo-like street circuit features nine corners and five straights - the longest being 700 metres.
The action packed track is located just 800 metres from Durban's city centre and 300 metres from the city's famous North Beach.
And the difference between a street circuit and a race track? South African driver Stephen Simpson explains:On a regular circuit, when you skid off the track you usually go on to gravel or grass, but here you go straight into a concrete wall.
A1 is for dedicated motor sport fans. In this form of racing, the cars are all the same; the technology is completely standardized and equalized and drivers compete purely on skill, and on a totally level playing field.
It pits driver against driver and country against country. A1GP brings together 24 nations, representing 80 per cent of the world's population, to compete as equals, without financial or technological advantage. Just the pure heart-pounding, ear shattering pleasure of high octane motor sport.
In addition to the two official practice sessions for the A1 GP in Durban on Friday (February 23) and Saturday, there will be practice, qualifying and two races each (one on Saturday and one on Sunday) for the Bridgestone SA Production Car Championship (classes A and T only).
The A1GP World Cup of Motor Sport, which started its second season in the Netherlands, on 1 October and is in South Africa for round eight of 11 on February 25, is the only global motor sport event with a dedicated team to manage the logistics of moving all competing teams’ cars and garage set-ups to each and every race.
Durban Mayor Obed Mlaba said the city was delighted be hosting the South African round of the A1GP once again. It is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our city, its culture, its history and its people. The unparalleled success of last year's race put Durban on the map in world motor sport and resulted in a massive boost to the local economy.
African Travel Articles
