Exclusive: 'African' GP Planned for 2009
Cape Town's bid to land a Formula One race within the next few years could result in the first 'African Grand Prix' being added to the calendar, Autosport-Atlas can exclusively reveal
Although it had been thought that the consortium planning the race for 2009 was simply planning to resurrect the 'South African Grand Prix' name, the chief executive behind the bid, David Gant, has revealed that they want a new title for the race.
"We are going to call it the 'African Grand Prix, as we are the only [inhabited] continent that doesn't have one," said Gant in an exclusive interview with Autosport-Atlas.
Gant was a visitor at last weekend's Turkish Grand Prix as he gained further insights into exactly what is demanded of a modern Formula One venue. He believes that his plans are on course for the event to be added within four years.
"I think (Bernie Ecclestone's) FOM (company) is demonstrably enthusiastic about coming to South Africa and having an African Grand Prix," he said.
"I think the ball is in our court and so long as we go back with a viable financial model, I see no reason to believe they won't want to be there in 2009. It's ours to lose, I think."
South Africa has not hosted a Grand Prix since Kyalami last held an event in 1993.
Autosport 70: F1's age-old problems and how to fix them
Autosport 70: F1's age-old problems and how to fix them Autosport 70: F1's age-old problems and how to fix them
Best features of 2012: Early signs Kimi would star
Best features of 2012: Early signs Kimi would star Best features of 2012: Early signs Kimi would star
2012: F1 as it should be?
2012: F1 as it should be? 2012: F1 as it should be?
Hamilton has “full faith” in Mercedes after checking out W15 in wind tunnel
Hamilton has “full faith” in Mercedes after checking out W15 in wind tunnel Hamilton has “full faith” in Mercedes after checking out W15 in wind tunnel
Does Manthey EMA’s success make DTM unattractive for other Porsche teams?
Does Manthey EMA’s success make DTM unattractive for other Porsche teams? Does Manthey EMA’s success make DTM unattractive for other Porsche teams?
The gizmo-laden Williams F1 car that allowed Prost to retire on top
The gizmo-laden Williams F1 car that allowed Prost to retire on top The gizmo-laden Williams F1 car that allowed Prost to retire on top
Autosport Podcast: MotoGP 2023 season review
Autosport Podcast: MotoGP 2023 season review Autosport Podcast: MotoGP 2023 season review
The gizmo-laden Williams F1 car that allowed Prost to retire on top
The gizmo-laden Williams F1 car that allowed Prost to retire on top The gizmo-laden Williams F1 car that allowed Prost to retire on top
The long term potential that elevates F1 2023’s star appointment
The long term potential that elevates F1 2023’s star appointment The long term potential that elevates F1 2023’s star appointment
How F1's Verstappen era compares to Schumacher's early 2000s dominance
How F1's Verstappen era compares to Schumacher's early 2000s dominance How F1's Verstappen era compares to Schumacher's early 2000s dominance
How the FIA/Wolff case could shape F1’s political landscape
How the FIA/Wolff case could shape F1’s political landscape How the FIA/Wolff case could shape F1’s political landscape
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.