Jun.18 (GMM) Hong Kong has taken its “first step” towards the formula one calendar.
That step was a F1 single seater demonstration put on by Red Bull in the Chinese city-state featuring Jaime Alguersuari.
Automobile association president Wesley Wan is quoted by AFP as admitting Hong Kong is interested in staging a proper grand prix “one day”.
“This is the first step in gaining the support of the people,” he told the South China Morning Post.
“My dream is that Hong Kong, like Singapore, Malaysia and China, will be a stop on the grand prix circuit,” added Wan.
He revealed that Hong Kong was singled out as a potential F1 venue prior to 1997.
“And as far as a street circuit is concerned, if Monte Carlo and Singapore can have it, why can’t Hong Kong?” he said.
Reports on Friday also said former F1 hosts Argentina, eyeing the renovation of the Velociudad circuit in Zarate, and Mexico, which was recently visited by Charlie Whiting, have been earmarked as potential future venues for grands prix.
The Mexican link is particularly interesting, given the involvement at Sauber this year of the world’s richest man Carlos Slim, who is already backing the Swiss team’s Mexican rookie Sergio Perez.
After sitting out Canada in the wake of his Monaco qualifying crash and hospitalisation, 21-year-old Perez said on Friday he hopes to return next weekend.
“I feel perfectly well and IÂ’m very much looking forward to racing in Valencia,” he said.
