Formula 1™ coming to Cape Town in three years?
Formula 1™ stars such as Lewis Hamilton (pictured) could be coming to race in Cape Town three years from now. Photo courtesy Chris Richards
Formula 1™ boss Bernie Ecclestone has suggested that F1™ racing could come to Cape Town in three years’ time.
Following the success of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, Ecclestone believes South Africa is ready to be part of the Formula 1™ circuit. News24 quoted him as saying: “We’ve been talking to the people in Cape Town ... We’re talking about building a circuit. It’s probably three years away.”
Ecclestone made this announcement during the British Grand Prix at Silverstone on Sunday.
The news has delighted Cape Town resident and Indy Pro racing driver, Stephen Simpson.
“The possible return of Formula 1™ to South Africa and particularly Cape Town is extremely exciting,” Simpson told Cape Town Tourism this morning.
“South Africans love motorsport and deserve to be treated to more international events. An F1™ race in the Mother City, with Table Mountain as a backdrop, would be something very special. After the huge success of the World Cup, I don’t think there are any doubts that we are more than capable of hosting a hugely successful F1™ race.”
In a recent interview with Cape Town Tourism, Simpson said he would love to play his part in growing motorsport in Cape Town. The presence of a Formula 1™ Grand Prix in the Mother City would create massive local interest and provide many opportunities for local communities.
The last time a Formula 1™ Grand Prix was held in South Africa was in 1993 at Kyalami (a race track in Midrand, between Johannesburg and Pretoria).
