The Mellaha circuit home of the Tripoli Grand Prix, used to be one of the fastest if not finest in the world. Situated on the North African coast in Libya, surrounding the Mellaha salt lake, it opened in 1925. The famous Italian aviator Marshal Italo Balbo was made Governor of the former Italian Protectorate (Libya). Acting upon a suggestion he combined the race with a state lottery. More than four million tickets were sold and some of the money was used to create a world class facility. The covered grandstand could hold 10,000 lucky spectators while the pits rivalled the best that Europe had to offer. The other famous landmark was the huge white concrete timing tower. The track was described by Dick Seaman as 'The Ascot of motor racing circuits', and its host Marshall Balbo entertained everyone royally at the palace. The teams would stay at the luxurious Hotel Uaddan which included a casino and dinner theatre. For these reasons the Grand Prix was very popular with all of the teams. Much as Monte Carlo is today.
The song by the Libyan singer Ahmed Fakroun
Success Opportunity Capability (SOC) Libya
Friday 26 June 2009
Tripoli Grand Prix (Formula One)
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4 comments:
I am sure some people would properly laugh when they hear that F1 races were actually taken place in Libya, Tripoli and was situated in a salt basin between, Suq al Jum'ah (also known as Suk el Giuma or Sugh el Giumaa (سوق الجمعة)) and Tajura. They might even know where is Libya in the map but history can still keep reminding us of the glorious days of Tripoli’s Grand Prix.The races were held from 1925 to 1937
From 1925 to 1937 ? Wasn't that the period during which Libyans in the east of the country were stilling fighting the Italians ? and being gassed and stacked up in concentration camps ? And the rest of the Libyans were being treated as second grade citizens in their own country ? I doubt any Libyans benefited from it, apart of course from those who were working for the Italians.
I guess you are right but having said that, it was really the same with all colonies in North Africa, they were building while fighting and at the same time I am sure there were people who benefited from it. As I come from the same area so I remember some of my family telling us about it and saying it was mainly for foreigners such as Italians
Tarek, I enjoyed your video clip on YouTube featuring the Tripoli Grand Prix. I bet there are many people who never realized that Tripoli hosted the greatest drivers of their generation. Is any part of the circuit still there and is the grandstand that was built still in existence?
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