GUYANA could stage its first-ever Formula 1 exhibition within the next year, with organisers confirming plans are being developed to bring an F1 car and driver to the South Dakota Circuit.
The proposal builds on the success of the Guyana Grand Prix, which recently hosted the third round of the GT Challenge de las Américas and attracted competitors from across the Caribbean, Europe, North America, and Latin America.
Silvia Bermúdez, part of the GT Challenge de las Américas organising team, said the response to the event has strengthened confidence that an F1 demonstration can become a reality.
“We are very happy to be here and all of the teams are happy to be here,” Bermúdez explained to local media.
“We have committed to being here for five years and every year we want to improve the experience for the fans.”
She said discussions with the Government of Guyana and the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) are centred on expanding the range of motorsport events hosted at the venue.
“The plan is to bring more content to the South Dakota Circuit, not only GT3 racing,” she said.
“One of the ideas is to organise a Formula 1 exhibition in Guyana. We are working on that with drivers from around the world, and what has happened with this event will be very important in helping make that possible.”
“It would be an exhibition, but having a Formula 1 car in Guyana would be something very special.”
GMR&SC president Mohamad Shairaz Roshandin said improvements to the circuit remain a priority before introducing new categories of motorsport.
“There is still fencing and other infrastructure [sic] work that needs to be completed to fully secure the facility,” Roshandin said.
“Once those upgrades are finished, we can continue developing different types of racing.”
He added that the proposed Formula 1 appearance would be designed as a full entertainment event, rather than simply an exhibition run.
“It won’t just be one car driving around the track,” he said.
“It will be a complete show, giving Guyanese the opportunity to experience Formula 1 in their own country.”
A Formula 1 demonstration has previously been held in the Caribbean.
In 2016, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton visited Barbados for the Barbados Festival of Speed, where he drove a 2013 Mercedes Formula 1 car at Bushy Park Circuit, performed burnouts and took part in exhibition races.
Organisers in Guyana hope to create a similarly memorable event if the plans are finalised.
Roshandin also praised the support received for this year’s Guyana Grand Prix, saying the backing of the government, private sector and fans had helped deliver a successful international meeting and laid the foundation for bigger events in the future.