Jefferies, Zimbabwe’s motor racing sensation who began his career at Donnybrooke in Mabvuku was privileged to have been identified by the Italians to race in the GP2, a step closer to Formula One. Salavadori engaged him after receiving two letters from Mujuru and Kanengoni-Malinga confirming they are sourcing funds to bankroll the Zimbabwean’s competition.
Salvadori said he “trust and confide in their words and indeed allow Jefferies to participate in the pre-season tests and first race of the season to give the necessary time in order to materialize things.”
“After these two letters, the Minister of Sports and Vice President disappeared and I found myself forced to find another driver to substitute Jefferies, with the season already started,” he said.
“I believe that this behaviour is scandalous, in particular due to the fact that this conduct has been carried out by two important Government Officials. It is not so much however this loss (200.000€) that penalized us but the fact that we neglected the closing of negotiations with other drivers before the championship and then we were forced to sign, with less contractual power, given that the championship was already started and all drivers had already made their choices.
“My relationship with both Suhail and Axcil Jefferies remains very good given that I am sure that they acted in complete good faith in my regards. But I frankly do not know what to think of with regards to the Political Representatives of this Country. Having received two letters with this content, which evidently presumed a successful conclusion of the negotiations, being only a question of time and then disappearing without any explanation, is surely behaviour that I was not prepared for.”
Motor racing is a costly sport that has seen a large part of drivers who race in GP3, GP2 and F1 supported by their countries. Some of the countries include Venezuela, Mexico, Indonesia and Russia. The Zimbabwean government has only been seen celebrating achievements they have not invested in.
Post published in: Sport