The Kyalami circuit in South Africa has received FIA approval to improve its facilities and obtain Category 1 status, which would make it eligible to host Formula 1 races once the necessary work is completed. Kyalami is one of the three places competing to bring F1 back to the African continent, although the sport’s CEO, Stefano Domenicali, indicated last month that there is still a long way to go to reach an agreement. The circuit, located north of Johannesburg, last hosted a Grand Prix in 1993, the last time F1 raced on African soil. Currently, the circuit is classified as Grade 2 by the FIA, which means it could not host a return of F1 in its current state. However, the plans presented by Kyalami and Apex Circuit Designs, based in the UK, have the potential to elevate it to the Grade 1 standard. A press release indicated that “the selected works will be carried out pending the favorable outcome of the South African venue on the Formula 1 calendar and that Kyalami is selected as the preferred host venue”. According to the plans, the circuit layout will remain unchanged, with modifications focusing on the improvement of escape zones, barrier systems, debris protection fences, curbs, and drainage.
Venter added: “This is a defining moment for South African motorsport. When we acquired Kyalami in 2014, we committed to restoring it, not only as a world-class venue, but as a beacon for motorsport across the African continent.” “The FIA’s acceptance of our Grade 1 design is a big step forward on that path.” Domenicali said last month that conversations are progressing with three venues in Africa, believed to be Kyalami, a proposed street circuit in Cape Town and a project yet to be built near Kigali, Rwanda. The President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, announced his country’s bid last December, when the FIA held its awards ceremony in the country, although the situation has been complicated by the fighting in eastern Congo involving the M23 rebels backed by Rwanda. The Democratic Republic of Congo urged F1 in February to end talks with Rwanda. Domenicali said at the Monaco Grand Prix last month that F1 remains committed to adding Africa to its calendar, although other countries, such as Thailand, are also in the running to join the sport’s packed schedule. “We are missing a continent and we also want to connect with it,” Domenicali said at the Monaco Grand Prix. “It’s a matter of finding the right plan and we hope to inform you soon about that project.”Today, we turn the page to a new and bold chapter for Kyalami. We are ready for the return of Formula 1 to African soil.
Toby Venter, circuit owner
