|
 |
|
|
|
|
Superleague Formula By Sonangol Seeking Out New Horizons In 2011
Superleague Formula’s global expansion continues to gather pace ahead of the new season with a raft of new countries being targeted for 2011.
The football-themed championship, which kicks off its 12-round 2010 campaign at Silverstone on April 3/4, has entered into negotiations with several nations regarding the hosting of races next year as Superleague Formula bids to become a truly global single seater series.
|
|
|
It’s no secret that Asian states began viewing motorsport as a key promotional tool during the last decade, with the likes of Formula 1 and GP2 both staging races on the continent. Now, Superleague Formula is looking to follow suit by opening negotiations with the likes of South Korea, China and Indonesia with an eye firmly on 2011.
Indeed, in Korea, promotion has already begun with giant LED billboards in Seoul screening footage from last season’s Superleague Formula campaign.
Indonesia meanwhile might not have to wait quite as long before taking its place on the Superleague Formula calendar with advanced talks ongoing for a street circuit near Jakarta to stage this season’s championship final in November.
Brazil too is an area of potential expansion with two circuits vying for inclusion on the 2011 schedule. The country’s deep passion for football and motor racing, not to mention its rich history and success in both sports, makes it the ideal host for South America’s inaugural Superleague Formula round.
Australia is another country which could make its debut on the calendar next season with steps being taken to secure a street race on one of the popular V8 Supercar weekends.
But that’s not all. As well as actively seeking out new countries in which to race, Superleague Formula is also pursuing the addition of new football clubs to join its other 18-strong league title contenders.
In some cases, this two-pronged expansion plan comes inextricably linked; for instance, promoters in China together with the largest state-run investment company, CITIC Guoan Group, are assisting with negotiations to hold street races in Beijing and Ordos, as well as pushing for the return of Beijing Guoan FC, who won the inaugural Superleague Formula title in 2008.
Superleague Formula President Alex Andreu said: "Although we’re working hard finalising details for the forthcoming season, it’s vital that we continue to keep one eye on the future and that means planning ahead to improve the championship further for 2011.
"I think we’ve reached our maximum in terms of European races, what with the eleven confirmed for this season, and to continue our growth we need to be looking further afield. Therefore, it’s important to add clubs and races from outside of motorsport’s traditional heartland and to that end, we’re making a great deal of progress."
More news concerning this season’s driver additions and line-ups will be issued in the coming weeks.
PaddockTalk Perspective
|
|
|
Also in Support Series News: |
|
| |
|
