In a world first, South Africa hosted the first Altech Formula One X 2 Grand Prix.

In conjunction with the Minardi F1 Team, South Africa hosted the world's first Grand Prix race involving eight Minardi built two seater race cars carrying passengers who wanted to experience the thrill of being in a F1 race spec car at full speed.

Though not able to take a ride in one of these fine machines, I was fortunate to be able to attend this prestigious event and experience the thunder of F1 engines once again in our Rainbow Nation - South Africa.

The two seaters sport V10 engines, only split seconds slower than their current Formula One compatriots.

The event was held on the 9th of August 2004 at South Africa’s Formula One Grand Prix circuit in Johannesburg. Better known as the Kayalami International Grand Prix Race Circuit.

Whilst the organisers’ main objective was to raise funds for the Nelson Mandela Childrens’ Fund, it was also an attempt at trying to get back Formula One racing to South Africa after a ten-year absence.

The organisers’ expectations were over exceeded when over 60,000 spectators flocked to the track to view this event.

Past and present Formula One stars attending were;

- Alex Wurz
- Jonney Herbert
- Marc Gene
- Nicolas Kiesa
- Ginamaria Bruni
- South Africa’s very own Jody Scheckter (one time world champ for Ferrari)
- Eddie Irvine
- Bas Leinders
- Jonny Herbert
- Ralph Firman

Apart from the main event, others events included ;

- Air show by the SASOL Tigers
- MG Safety vehicle parade.
- Parade by the Johannesburg Metro Police’s all female freeway patrol team on their 1100cc BMW bikes.
- X Games.
- Pro Karting for the general public.
- Advanced driver training by BMW and M/Benz using the latest models of BMW M5, BMW M3, M/Benz E55, M/Benz C55, X5 and ML vehicles.

Duncan Udawatta
[email protected]

Minardi F1 2 seater race event Pictures