The Kyalami circuit in South Africa has undergone improvement work approved by the FIA, granting venue grade 1 status and allowing it to host Formula 1 races in the future.
The circuit is currently FIA grade 2 so it doesn’t have the required licenses for the F1 track, but submit plans for an upgrade to raise it to the required standard. The FIA currently approves these designs and gives kyalami for three years to complete the work to achieve Grade 1 status.
“This is a critical moment for South African motorsports,” said Toby Venter, owner of Kirami Circuit. “When we acquired Kyalami in 2014, we promised to restore it not only as a world-class venue, but also as a beacon of motorsports on the continent.
“Today, we are transforming the page into a bold new chapter in kyalami. We are ready to bring Formula 1 back to African soil.”
The work does not include changes to the track layout, but focuses on drainage areas, barrier systems, debris fencing, curbs and drainage enhancements. Called “light touch” by Apex Circuit Design Director Clive Bowen, this task is initially centered around existing commitments, ensuring minimal disruption.
The circuit acknowledges that there are certain upgrades that are only made if the Grand Prix is awarded to kyalami. We are discussing with Formula 1 about returning the South African Grand Prix to the venue.
While Grade 1 status is an important step to enabling tracks to host F1, racers understand that there is still a long way to go to reach an agreement to reach a race in Africa. Other stakeholders include potential projects in Cape Town and Rwanda, but no single bid has been clearly emerging as the forefront of the required business plans.
