F1 and Mexican GP organisers unite for a good cause

The Formula One Group and the organisers of the Mexican GP are joining forces to donate 600 temporary classrooms to children affected by the country's recent earthquake.

Mexico's F1 promoter Alejandro Soberon said the $500,000 would help about 9000 children from the states of Chiapas and Oaxaca return to school.

"We want to show the world that Mexico is still standing and more united than ever. However, much remains to be done in the months and years to come," said Soberon.

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F1 CEO Chase Carey said the sport was more than happy to contribute to the cause.

"Education is one of the most fundamental human rights and we will be more than happy to know that, thanks to this project, these 9000 children will be able to enjoy this right with immediate effect," said Carey.

This weekend's race is sell-out event and organisers have devised a plan of solidarity and asked fans to raise their fists on lap 19 of Sunday's race.

The number is symbolic as it represents the date of September 19, the day the devastating earthquake hit Mexico City and its surrounding states.

A raised fist has also become a symbolic gesture in Mexico as it was used by rescue workers to signal a need for silence during search operations.

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