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Valtteri Bottas, David Coulthard heading to South Africa for first-ever F1 festival

Formula 1 is roaring back into South Africa in the form of an immersive fan festival.

The last time a South African Grand Prix was part of F1 was in 1993.

Together with Heineken the F1 Joburg Festival, in partnership with Gauteng Province, will feature a live car run featuring three F1 teams including Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, Aston Martin Red Bull Racing, and Renault F1.

Fans will get to see 2019 Formula 1 World Championship runner-up Valtteri Bottas as well as F1 legend David Coulthard tear through the streets of Sandton. 

Coulthard impressed crowds in Cape Town in 2019 when he raced through the Mother City with Red Bull. 

'SA HAS A SPECIAL PLACE IN F1 HISTORY'

The first-ever F1 festival in Africa will also feature a fan zone with interactive activations such as the DHL esports Challenge and the Pirelli Pit-Stop Challenge along with spectacular car displays including supercars, SA Karting, F1600 and historic single seaters.

"We are excited to announce that F1 will be heading to South Africa this season, with the Heineken F1 Joburg festival," said Ellie Norman, director of marketing and communications. 

Norman added: "South Africa has a very special place in Formula 1 history and we remain committed to returning to South Africa in the future. The festival will be an incredible opportunity for the people of Johannesburg to see F1 up close and personal, with live car runs, fan experiences and incredibile live music acts."

JODY SCHECKTER TO MAKE APPEARANCE 

According to a media statement, Formula 1 legend and former Formula 1 World Championship winner, Jody Scheckter will also make a rare appearance in his 1979 title-clinching Ferrari as F1 marks its return to South Africa.

"I’m delighted that Formula 1 and SAGP have come together to bring an F1 Festival to South Africa for the first time and I am very excited to be involved in what promises to be an amazing spectacle on the streets of Joburg, South Africa has a long history with F1 and the Festival will provide a chance for fanst o get up, close and personal with the sport," said Scheckter, president of the South African GP.

Tickets are available from Computicket from just R60 for a general admission ticket and can be purchased online.

ALSO READ: F1 pre-season testing day 1: Lewis dominates, Sebastian falls ill, Daniel’s touching tribute

(Compiled by Herman Eloff)

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