F1 returning to South Africa by 2013?

In an interview, partially reported by the South African media iol, Bernie Ecclestone recalls that numerous discussions have taken place in recent years for a return of Formula One to South African soil, for the first time since 1993.

The Briton thus confided that his lawyers were studying possible contracts that could be finalized in the coming weeks. If this were to be the case, Cape Town could host a Grand Prix of F1 as early as September 2013. “It would be good to be back in South Africa. We were very happy when we came here in the past,” says Bernie Ecclestone before specifying: “As soon as the contract is signed, it will progress quickly, I hope within two years.”

Three circuit projects are in the running: A brand new circuit near Cape Town airport, another on the city’s west coast near Atlantis, and a final one in the very streets of Cape Town.

Given the timelines considered, it would seem that the last option has caught the attention of the F1’s chief financial officer. The company Cape Town Grand Prix SA is therefore considering an urban circuit passing by the notable landmarks of South Africa’s parliamentary capital, a 5.3 km track running along the Green Point Stadium—which recently hosted matches for the 2010 FIFA World Cup—but also Table Bay Harbour and the waterfront, in a style reminiscent of Monaco or more likely Long Beach, in the United States.

The budget for this project is estimated at one hundred million dollars, fully financed by local funds, although it is understood that the signing of the contract with Bernie Ecclestone’s FOM and government support are sine qua non conditions to unlock the money.

The spokesperson for Cape Town Grand Prix SA, Esther Henderson, also stated on Wednesday that her company’s first priority now is to meet with the Minister of Sports, Fikile Mbalula, to ensure government support: « We have a plan for a circuit and track, we have studies on the economic and environmental impact. These are what we need to submit to the government now. »

This announcement echoes the hopes expressed by Bob Fernley, Deputy Team Principal of the Force India team, at the Formula One Fan Forum in Woking last week: « The only continent we are not working on is Africa, and I would like to see us return there. »

Just a year ago, Bernie Ecclestone described Africa as another continent where F1 should be, assuring that the chances were good and it was just a matter of finding the right place. At the time, the F1 supremo stated that Russia was another important destination: a few months later, Sochi signed a contract to host the first Russian Grand Prix, scheduled for 2014.

Alain Prost, the last winner in South Africa, could therefore soon have a successor.