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Why Formula One’s return to Mexico is a huge deal

The first Mexican Grand Prix since 1992 will be a delight for the senses – a great racetrack in a fantastic city

Mexican Grand Prix poster with Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Perez

Mexican Grand Prix poster with Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Perez

Bernardo Maldonado

Mexico atmosphere
Sergio Perez, Sahara Force India F1 VJM08
Viva Mexico
Patrick Carpentier took time off on Thursday to visit the Teotihuacan Pyramids just outside Mexico City
Mexico fans watch the end of the race
Sergio Perez, Sahara Force India F1 VJM08
Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez
A pit board for Sergio Perez, Sahara Force India F1
Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez
Federico Alaman, Director General de Automovilismo Deportivo de CIE; Sergio Perez, Sahara Force India F1 and team mate Nico Hulkenberg, Sahara Force India F1 at a press conference
Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez control tower
Sergio Perez, Sahara Force India F1 VJM07 with team mate Nico Hulkenberg, Sahara Force India F1

After 23 years, Formula One returns to Mexico. The 18th race of the 2015 season does not only mean a return to one of the most traditional circuits in the world, Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City, but it will also be a reunion with Latin America.

Formula One has neglected Latin America since 1998, the last year of the Grand Prix of Argentina. Central and South America is a land of great drivers like five times champion, Juan Manuel Fangio – and who could forget Ricardo and Pedro Rodríguez?

Although Brazil is there on the schedule, cultural and language differences set that country apart from the rest of continent, where Spanish is the dominant language.

Therefore, the race this November 1st will not only be the race of Mexico, but also be the race of a continent.

Serving the Latin-American market

Although the United States Grand Prix exists, everyone knows that its main market are latinos. So it was not a surprise that during the three previous editions, the Mexican public was an important part in filling the stands at Circuit of The Americas. Now, fans will have the opportunity to be part of two races in America in less than a fortnight, and just a few hours away by plane or car.

The race will be a tourist driving force for the country, where the arrival of domestic and foreign visitors are expected at the world's largest city for an economic impact of $200 million after an annual investment of $72 million, $350 million total payment for the five-year contract that has been signed with Bernie Ecclestone.

Each year is expected to reach approximately 180,000 visitors. They will be a part of this celebration of motorsport, but also to see the wonders of this country and help change the international image to remind the world that the country is safe and hospitable, with history dating back to the origins of mankind but also modernity and a variety of entertainment offered by a city of this size, as like other F1 cities do, like Melbourne, Barcelona and Montreal.

A combined effort

To realize the dream of the Grand Prix of Mexico’s return, it was necessary to combine efforts between the private sector and federal and local government, who together provide the necessary for the operation of the race budget.

But this is not all. The Grand Prix of Mexico also allows rescue motor sport in the country. As well as the return of Formula One again, the organization of new categories of open wheel, prototypes and touring cars were announced.

It is time to revive the motorsport that had been forgotten, especially on a first-class road course. And that is the last point: Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez not only will be ready for Formula One. Grupo CIE, race promoters, have already touched base with people from MotoGP and IndyCar to make the track Mexico City the capital of motor sport in Latin America.

With all this waiting to happen at the track, our city also has a lot of nice surprises for those fans that chose to spend a week here. If you are not at the track you can visit the mighty pyramids (40mins away) you can go to the center of town and sample great Mexican food.

Or just take a look at one of the biggest and most crazy towns you have ever visited in the world – featuring historical sites, or just have a nice walk in our beautiful chaos, believe us never in your life you have seen this much colour in one city.

Combine the roar of the F1 cars, and you will have one of the best experiences in your life.

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