A group of South African businessmen working in conjunction with Abu Dhabi investors are trying to resurrect plans for the country to regain a Formula 1 race.
AUTOSPORT reports that a proposal is being evaluated for a purpose-built track to be built near Durban airport as the group behind the efforts eyes a 10-year contract to host the event.
In exchange for building a $320 million venue, the group wants the local authorities to help support the plans by paying the $57m-per-year race fee, plus leasing it the land. The track, which will also feature retail and tourist attractions, will be based on the design originally penciled in for Gauteng Province but which fell through.
The ambitious plans for the project have not yet convinced the local government though, and the scheme's backers – Nightsbridge Investments and Abu Dhabi's Royal Group – have been advised to make an approach to the national government for assistance. All the parties involved will meet again on Oct. 14 to discuss their next steps.
South Africa last hosted a grand prix at Kyalami in 1993, which was won by Alain Prost in a Williams-Renault.