Since the victory of Alain Prost on March 14, 1993 on the Kyalami circuit, in South Africa, the African continent has not welcomed a Formula 1 Grand Prix. Rwanda and Morocco have expressed in recent years their desire to be part of the most popular mechanical sport calendar in the world, but it is indeed South Africa which seems to be the closest to a return.
The International Automobile Federation has indeed validated this week the renovation plans of the Kyalami circuit, which is between Johannesburg and Pretoria and was the F1 GP theater from 1967 to 1985, then in 1992 and 1993 (Motorcycle GP also took place four times). The circuit will therefore become a grade 1 circuit and may claim the organization of a GP.
The works, which will have to last a maximum of three years, will not modify the form of the 4.52km route, but improvements will be made on the release areas, barriers’ systems, protective fences, vibrators and drainage.
“A major step in this adventure”
“Today, we are starting a new exciting chapter for Kyalami. We are ready for the return of Formula 1 on African soil, said the owner of the installations, Toby Venter. When we bought Kyalami in 2014, our ambition was to restore it as a world renowned site, but also as a symbol of auto sport for the whole African continent. The acceptance of our grade 1 design by the FIA is a major step in this adventure. »»
The company Apex Circuit Designs, already involved in the Miami Grand Prix project (appeared on the calendar in 2022), will supervise the work. The return of the GP from South Africa therefore seems to be on the right track, it will remain to find a place in the calendar, which already has 24 races per season.
