Meet Moko who follows F1 for past 37 years

Manama : To become a fan, no matter what your age is, all you need is the passion to follow. Meet Mr Moko from Senegal, who has been following Formula One for the past 37 years. 

Moko explained that promoting Jody David Scheckter, the only African champion in the history of Formula 1 in 1979, led him to become an F1 fan.

“I belong to a country where most of the people like soccer, rugby and other sports, but I was one of those who chose motor-sports as a passion in the early days. I was so disturbed with the prevalence of system of racial segregation in South Africa, so I decided to support Scheckter from South Africa, who debuted at Watkins Glen with McLaren. I went on to follow my passion for motor-sports and every year I visit a good number of circuits all over the world,” Moko told DT News.

Moko believes that every circuit is same and equal to him.  But his favourites are the Circuits of Suzuka, Silverstone and Monza. According to him, the old circuits give a piece of nostalgia, and new circuits take him to the new era of technology and safety. Referring to the difference between the old and new circuits, he told that the only difference he felt is the change in the safety, security and technology.  “Rest remains the same. It is all about engines and speed,” he said.  

Speaking about his favourite driver, Moko said, “I admire  all the 22 drivers and they are all my favourite drivers, and I don’t treat them individually. But yes, if you ask me my favourite team, then I would say it is Ferrari. Because I think, the drivers come and go. They change now and then, but the team remains the same.

Moko did not forget to thank and appreciate Bernie  Ecclestone, the chief executive of the Formula One Group for his continuous support and effort to bring the races and get it on their right track. 

He also stated that in the old days, F1 was just a sport for a limited class of people, but the vision of Ecclestone led it to a different pace, and now F1 is the most adored motor-sports amongst the public.