Wheels24 has reported that Formula 1 boss, Bernie Ecclestone has reiterated his desire for an African Grand Prix, and he wants it in Cape Town.

I want to be in Cape Town. I’ve been offered Durban but I think we would be better off in Cape Town.

Shem, Durbs. We still love you.

But Durban may not have to feel left out after all, because Cape Town city officials aren’t fans of elite motorsport and associated tourism, apparently. Despite having recieved at least 11 proposals from local consortiums seeking to stage the race in partnership with Formula One in Cape Town, Cape Town city officials are killing everyone’s buzz, claiming that the cost to the city would be prohibitive.

Tourism, events and marketing director, Anton Groenewald, said: “We are not in favour of it because of the huge cost implications to the city.” reports the Cape Times.

Which seems like a confusing point to make, given how often they harp on about tourism in Cape Town.

Imagine a Formula One race going down in the 2014 Design Capital of the World. Just imagine that. Imagine the yachts. Imagine the street circuit. Imagine Cape Town cementing its place as an international city. Your city officials would not like that.

Apart from the cost to the city, officials have cited unacceptable noise disturbance to nearby residents as a valid reason to poo-poo the idea.

Which is again interesting, given the that the Green Point Stadium is already a giant amplification speaker when packed to capacity while hosting a music show.

[Source: Wheels24]