Durban A1 thumbs up - new map

According to FIA inspector Charlie Whiting, the 3.2 km track, which was constructed in a period of six weeks, has met all the international safety standards and is ready to stage what is regarded as one of the biggest sporting events to have been hosted by the city.

The A1 grand prix - where drivers compete on behalf of their countries - has generated so much interest that more than 50 000 tickets have already been sold.

Organisers said that the remaining 26 500 grandstand tickets are likely to be sold out very soon and have warned fans to avoid putting off purchasing their tickets until the last minute.

A1 Grand Prix SA chairperson Tokyo Sexwale told the media on Friday that, while there was realisation that residents would be affected through road closures, the event would generate a significant amount of revenue for Durban.

Current indications are that the city will generate about R100m through tourists who will be using hotels and spending money on entertainment and sight-seeing in and around the city.

"This is a major event for Durban, which is an equivalent of the World Cup of Motor Racing and so we hope that everyone will realise the importance of staging it," said the businessman.

He added that it was up to the people of Durban to show that the city was an appropriate venue. - BuaNews