Photo: Getty / Gallo Images
Minibus Taxi takes on Formula 1 Car in Cape Town [video]
Taxi drivers in South Africa get a lot of stick but it seems as though they could be a match for some of the world’s best,
Photo: Getty / Gallo Images
Most mere mortals can only dream of possessing the confidence a Taxi driver puts in his Toyota HiAce even when taking on a Formula 1 car.
As part of a demonstration the Red Bull RB7 Formula 1 car made a series of appearances across Cape Town ahead of an event in the city but found itself taking on an unusual challenger at a traffic circle close to the city centre.
The RB7 was videoed easing around the circle while a minibus taxi flew by alongside the car that won the 2011 Formula 1 Constructor’s championship.
The taxi does not appear to have been part of the demonstration.
The RB7 is being driven by former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard. The Taxi driver’s identity remains a mystery.
In an interview with the Cape Times Coulthard said he felt it was important that Formula 1 comes back to the African continent, whether it be at Kyalami – where the last South African Grand Prix was staged in 1993 – or a street circuit.
“I love Kyalami, but street circuits are really very popular now. For me, street circuits really are exciting. You know, you get the buzz of the city, you get the intimacy that fans enjoy, and you are challenged as a driver and as a team.
“Historically, Kyalami is very special for Formula One, but whether it happens at the track or not, I really want to see Formula One racing return to Africa.”
Liberty Media who own Formula 1 have been in talks to bring the sport back to Africa with Morocco and South Africa being considered as venues.
The Red Bull Cape Town Circuit is a free event that aims to bring Formula 1 technology back to the people. The event will feature some surprise demonstrations, and who knows maybe the taxi driver will turn up for a rematch.
