F1 in talks with Morocco, South Africa over Grand Prix event

Formula 1's commercial managing director Sean Bratches has confirmed that the sport is exploring the option of bringing world championship events to Morocco and South Africa.

Both countries have staged an F1 event before, with Casablanca in Morocco hosting a world championship Grand Prix in 1958.

South Africa featured prominently on the schedule in the '70s and '80s. It last held a race at Kyalami in 1993, which was won by Alain Prost.

“It’s a marketplace in which we would like to race,” Bratches said at a Sport Industry Breakfast Club event.

“We race on five continents now and the last habitable continent that we don’t race in is Africa.

“We’ve been having very productive conversations in South Africa and to a lesser extent in Morocco about bringing a Grand Prix. We’re on it. It’s really important to us.”

Morocco is currently home to an annual Formula E ePrix. Bratches added that a race in the North African country would be a great method to increase its growth and tourism.

“The vast majority of our Grands Prix are underpinned by government and it’s because it works," Bratches added. "We shine a bright light on these cities."

F1 announced this week that the Dutch Grand Prix will feature on the 2020 calendar, returning after a 35-year absence. Vietnam will host its first ever Grand Prix next year.

F1 still working on a second US race

Liberty Media has been working hard to get a second race in the United States, with Miami the most viable option.

“In an ideal circumstance we would be racing downtown Miami or downtown Las Vegas,” said Bratches. “Those are the two cities in the United States that best align with our brand and our aspirations.

“We are going to try and create the best experience in each market that (circumstances) will permit, not only from a racing standpoint but a fan engagement and economic standpoint... it’s still viable.”