By Neesa Moodley

Durban is gearing up to position itself as the hub of African motor racing. In a move towards this goal, the city will host the A1 Grand Prix for the first time on Sunday 29 January.

According to an article in Business Report, city management expects to draw in R100 million annually from the three-year contract to host the A1 Grand Prix. Tourism KwaZulu-Natal has projected that the event will boost the provincial economy by an estimated R110 million.

It is expected that the Grand Prix will attract about 100 000 people, 55 percent of whom will be local, 40 percent from out of town and 5 percent international tourists.

Julie-May Ellingson, the head of Durban's strategic projects unit, said the event was part of a broader strategy to position the city globally as a motor sports arena.

"We are not looking just at South Africa but want Durban to become the motor sports city for the continent," Ellingson is reported as saying. The city has contributed R12.5 million towards preparation for the race. Its plan ties in neatly with the local passion for customised cars and motor sports.

Read the full story, posted on busrep.co.za.

Source: Business Report