Bernie Ecclestone has said that South Africa will be back on the Formula One schedule within the next five years.

"We are going to South Africa," he told Cape Town's Die Burger newspaper, "it's not a question of if, it's only when.

"There will be a South African Grand Prix hosted by Cape Town within five years," he added. "It will be good for F1, for South Africa and the city. Plans are well advanced and I believe that the government may well become involved."

There has been talk of South Africa returning to the F1 schedule for some time, and this is not the first time that Ecclestone has made such a pledge, he previously promised Nelson Mandela this if two F1 tests at Kyalami (in 1999 and 2000) proved successful, South Africa would return to the schedule in 2001. Although the tests were overwhelmingly successful, Ecclestone never kept his promise.

The announcement comes just 48-hours after South Africa unveiled its entry in the A1 Grand Prix series, which kicks off in September 2005. Furthermore South African broadcaster SABC has signed a deal to broadcast the entire A1 GP series - free to air - which is a significant boost for the new series.

If the F1 deal goes ahead as promised, a new circuit would be built near Cape Town International airport, funded by a consortium led by businessman David Grant.

"We have just concluded a constructive round of talks with FOM and have formed the South African F1 Grand Prix Bid Company which will formally apply for the licence in the early part of next year," said Grant.

"We are currently in continued talks with government in respect of their participation and these are proving extremely positive.

"We already have a commitment from the private sector for 50 percent of the funds that we require from that source. Bernie's endorsement and clear enthusiasm for the idea is invaluable."

Sadly, Hermann Tilke will be responsible for designing the track.

Ecclestone is furiously busy at present - as is Tilke - getting more and more new Grand Prix hosts on board, wary, not only of the impending tobacco ban, but also the ever-increasing threat from the Grand Prix World Championship.

Sadly, F1 continues to pursue its philosophy of quantity over quality.