By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider
The Kyalami Grand Prix circuit has undergone hefty renovations with hopes to host the return of Formula 1 to South Africa.
The Kyalami circuit, which was constructed in 1961, was the home of the South African Grand Prix as well as hosting 21 Formula 1 Grand Prix races and MotoGP.
The lineage of motor sports heritage has lived on within the Kyalami circuit. The last time the F1 Grand Prix was hosted in South Africa was back in 1993 just before South Africa achieved democracy. The circuit has become a self-sustaining venue as of 2016 when it underwent extensive upgrades with a 4.522km layout which holds a Federation international de l’Automobile (FIA) Grade 2 certification.
The federation has given confirmation following proposals from the circuit that it is eligible for receiving Grade 1 status which is the highest status suitable to host Formula 1 races. “The FIA’s written acceptance of the amended design marks a significant achievement…Once capital works are completed and a final inspection conducted, kyalami will become Africa’s only FIA Grade 1 circuit, capable of hosting Formula 1 on the African Continent.” said representatives from the Kyalami Circuit.
Toby Venter who is the current owner of the Kyalami circuit along with the collaboration of founder and director of UK based Apex Circuit Design Clive Bowen have expressed that the circuit upgrade took five years of planning which led to the eventual approval of the FIA.
“When we acquired Kyalami in 2014, we made a commitment to restore it not just as a world-class venue, but as a beacon for motorsport across the African continent.” said Venter as per BusinessTech.
Light modifications will be made to the current layout of the circuit such as improving barrier systems, run-off areas, kerbs and drainage as well as debris fencing. “This is a light-touch upgrade in engineering terms, but one that enhances the already excellent circuit standards to meet modern Grade 1 requirements.” Bowen told Business tech.
The Cape Town Grand Prix SA (CTGPSA) have also announced plans to submit a bid to the Bid Steering Committee (BSC) of South Africa in order to return Formula 1 to the country, a bid which has been repeatedly called for by Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie.