 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
|
MANDELA CALLS ON F1 TEAMS TO SUPPORT SOUTH AFRICAN F1X2 GRAND PRIX Johannesburg, South Africa, June 7, 2004 - In a landmark statement, Nobel Prize winner, Nelson Mandela, is sending a request to Formula One drivers, past and present, to support the first Altech South African F1x2 Charity Grand Prix, from the 6-9 August, at the AA Kyalami International Raceway. This will mark the first time that the Minardi F1x2 (two-seater) cars have been driven in a Grand Prix format outside of Europe. Dr Mandela commented, “Not only will this event be a landmark for South Africa, which last heard the sound of Formula One engines 10 years ago, but also we will be able to support the children of my Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund and the Unite Against Hunger charity. “Currently, these projects support the most needy of South Africa’s children, and through the proceeds from the Grand Prix, we are set on doing so much more to alleviate poverty and hunger. “I am calling on the Formula One heroes of the world, past and present, to take time out of their busy schedules to join us in South African for the South African Grand Prix.” He added that he would be sending personal invitations to all Formula One teams and drivers to support the event. The Altech South African F1x2 Grand Prix has been made possible through the kind co-operation of Minardi Cosworth Team Principal, Paul Stoddart, who possesses a unique fleet of eight two-seater Formula One cars, and has agreed to make them available in order for Kyalami to host the world’s first two-seater Grand Prix. “We are particularly proud to be able to bring the excitement of our two-seater Formula One cars to South Africa in August, for the Altech South African F1x2 Grand Prix, which has all the makings of truly remarkable event,” says Paul Stoddart. “I’m sure it is going to be hugely successful, and I will be asking all of my colleagues in the Formula One Paddock to attend and lend their support to this most worthwhile of causes.” - Ends - Media contact |
||||||||||||||||||||||
