With the rising popularity of Formula 1, the demand for a home Grand Prix is greater than ever. In South Africa, where the last race was held in 1993, they claim to be ‘one step closer’ to a race on the historic Kyalami circuit. The board previously approached British Apex Circuit Design to renovate the track. The FIA has now approved the proposed plans for upgrades to Grade 1 standards.
During a press conference in Kyalami, circuit owner Toby Venter and Clive Bowen, founder of Apex Circuit Design, presented the plans that have been in the making for five years. With the FIA’s approval, the dream of a South African Grand Prix is one step closer. “This is a decisive moment for South African motorsport,” said Venter. “When we took over Kyalami in 2014, our goal was to restore the circuit to a world-class venue. The approval of our Grade 1 design is a major step forward.”
Interestingly, the upgrade does not require a drastic change to the current layout. The improvements mainly focus on safety aspects such as run-off areas, guardrails, debris fences, curbs, and drainage – precisely the elements needed to meet modern Grade 1 standards. “Technically, this is a relatively light upgrade,” explained Bowen, whose firm was previously responsible for the design of the street circuit in Miami. “But it is an upgrade that elevates the circuit to the highest level.”
Competition
Kyalami now has three years to implement the necessary modifications. The work is being meticulously planned to avoid disrupting existing events. With this step, Kyalami is well on its way to becoming the only Grade 1 circuit on the African continent. The track, strategically located between Johannesburg and Pretoria, is set to reclaim its status as the heart of motorsport in Africa. “Today, we are opening a new, bold chapter for Kyalami,” concluded Venter. “We are ready for the return of Formula 1 to African soil.”
In the past, Formula 1 travelled to Kyalami twenty times. The circuit near Johannesburg was invariably the setting for the South African Grand Prix. Since the last edition in 1993, the premier class has not been active on the African continent. However, Formula 1 has shown renewed interest in returning to Africa in recent years. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton stated last year that the sport can ‘no longer ignore’ the continent. Yet, there is stiff competition. Numerous countries are lining up to host a Grand Prix, including strong contenders like Thailand and South Korea.
