Durban applies for A1 GP race

"We held a high-level meeting in Johannesburg on Thursday, with representatives from MSA, A1 Grand Prix Holdings and A1 GP Team SA all present, and they have agreed to all our requirements and to adhere to our (MSA and FIA) procedures," Roger Pearce, President of MSA, told autosport.com in an exclusive interview.

"Two of our people are flying down to Durban on Monday to inspect work already done. It was a close call, but following the meeting, MSA is putting its full weight behind the event, which will be good for South African motorsport."

The meeting between the parties followed accusations that A1 GP was bypassing MSA in attempts to have the politically-charged event - seat holder Tokyo Sexwale, a politician-turned-industrialist with interests in diamond mining and banking, is a former Robben Island cellmate of Nelson Mandela - pushed through.

"We have now cleared the air, and A1 GP SA has agreed to join MSA and abide by our procedures. We will ensure that all safety requirements will be adhered to. That is not negotiable," added Pearce, mindful of two recent deaths in South African motorsport, in response to suggestions that the 3.5 kilometre circuit, modeled upon one rejected on safety grounds in 2004, could prove dangerous.

A penalty for late application, inscription and circuit inspection would also be applied, he said.

The event, funded jointly by A1 Grand Prix Holdings, A1 GP SA, KwaZulu-Natal province and the Council of Thekweni (Durban) hopes to attract 115,000 spectators, of which 30,000 are expected from outside the region, whilst KwaZulu-Nata Premier S'bu Ndebele has stated his belief television viewership will be very high.

"The whole world will be looking at Durban and I am told the event will be beamed to four billion viewers across the globe," he said. "What more could one want in terms of exposure?"