Exclusive: 'African' GP Planned for 2009

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.