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.
Latest news
Why there was no case to answer in Aston’s latest F1 copycat saga
The appearance of a revised Aston Martin in Spain caused controversy but PAT SYMONDS explains why the FIA investigation found the Silverstone team had no case to answer
Why it's Red Bull that really leads a three-way fight so far at Silverstone
After a slow start to Friday at Silverstone, all the Formula 1 teams had to effectively cram in a day’s worth of practice into one hour. But there was still plenty to learn and while Ferrari topped the times, a three-way battle is brewing ahead of the British Grand Prix
Why the future is bright for the British GP
It wasn’t so long ago the situation looked bleak at Silverstone with the future of the British Grand Prix under threat. But a transformation has seen it restored to one of the most important races on the Formula 1 calendar, with bigger and better to come
Could mixed fortunes for F1's leading Brits turn around at Silverstone?
For the first time in many years, none of the local racers starts among the favourites for the British Grand Prix. But George Russell, Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris could have reasons for optimism
Verstappen exclusive: Why F1’s champion isn’t fazed by Silverstone return
Max Verstappen is the world’s number one racing driver… and he’s determined to keep it that way. Speaking exclusively to GP Racing's OLEG KARPOV, the Red Bull driver explains why he’s relishing the 2022 championship battle with Charles Leclerc – and why he’s not worried about returning to Silverstone, the scene of the biggest accident of his career last year
Why Red Bull’s RB17 hypercar can help its F1 team
On Tuesday, Red Bull laid out its plans to develop and build a new hypercar - the RB17 - penned by Adrian Newey. As the project itself sates Newey as a creative outlet, it also offers Red Bull's Formula 1 team a number of new and exciting avenues to pursue
What to expect from Mercedes as F1 returns to Silverstone
OPINION: The British Grand Prix is a home event for Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, with their Mercedes team based just a few miles away too. But there’s another reason why the Silver Arrows squad is eager to arrive at Silverstone this weekend, which may help it fix its remaining problems with its 2022 Formula 1 challenger
The “solemn promise” that cost quiet hero Brooks an F1 title
After two terrifying crashes, one of the best British racers of the 1950s retired before his career peaked. But that’s why GP Racing’s MAURICE HAMILTON was able to speak to Tony Brooks in 2014. Like his friend Stirling Moss, Brooks was regarded as one of the best drivers never to have won the world championship. Here, as our tribute to Brooks who died last month, is that interview in full