Ecclestone: South Africa to Return to F1 Calendar

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has said the South African Grand Prix will return to the Formula One calendar in around five years.

"We're going to South Africa - it's not a question of if, it's only when," Ecclestone told Die Burger newspaper. "There will be a South African Grand Prix hosted by Cape Town within five years."

South Africa, who announced earlier this week it will be a franchise holder for the intended A1 Grand Prix series, last hosted a Formula One Grand Prix in 1993 at the Kyalami circuit near Johannesburg.

A consortium announced earlier this year its intention to take Formula One back to the African country.

"We have just concluded a constructive round of talks with FOM and have formed the South African Grand Prix Bid Company which will formally apply for the licence in the early part of next year," said Dave Gant, Chief Executive of the Omega Consortium, which is bidding for the Grand Prix.

"We are currently in continued talks with Government in respect of their participation and these are proving extremely positive. We already have a commitment from the Private Sector for 50% of the funds that we require from that source.

"Renowned F1 track designer, Hermann Tilke, will be visiting the proposed site in December and will begin the process of design of the track and infrastructure."