Finally we could see Formula 1 in Cape Town

CAPE TOWN, BRACE YOURSELF...F1 COULD BE HERE BY 2017!

IOL Motoring is reporting that Igshaan Amlay, chief executive officer of Cape Town Grand Prix South Africa, has confirmed that talks with Bernie Ecclestone, Formula One boss, took place two months ago and that the next step is to present the F1 proposal to the City of Cape Town’s tourism, events and marketing directorate. This is expected to take place in August.

The deal has not yet been signed but according to Amlay, there is renewed support from the City of Cape Town to bring F1 back to the city. The last time Cape Town hosted F1 was back in the 1960s. The last South African Grand Prix was at Kyalami back in 1993.

It is reported that Eccelestone is trying to get back in the South African market. Two years ago the city rejected the Formula One proposal because of the noise issues and costs involved in building the necessary infrastructure. But Amlay said: “The city has changed the way it sees events; they are now a potential opportunity for investment. We are glad they have changed their mind.”

In its initial bid, Cape Town Grand Prix proposed a street circuit that would make full use of the stadium with cars racing through the structure. The route could include Beach Road and the V&A Waterfront.

Amlay has said that they were looking at R400m to R500m for the initial set-up. The costs would drop once the first race had been held and the focus shifted to maintenance.

Garreth Bloor, city mayoral committee member for tourism, events and economic development, confirmed that the city was open to receiving a proposal to host the F1. “Any proposal must go through the formal processes of council for consideration.”

Source: IOL Motoring