Formula 1‘s return to Africa moved a step closer to becoming reality after the FIA approved plans for a Grade 1 for the Kyalami circuit.
The current 2.81 mile South African track, which underwent significant upgrades in 2016, is certified as FIA Grade 2.
An upgrade to Grade 1 means the circuit will be ready to host Formula 1 races.
Kyalami owners said they have received approval from the FIA to proceed after the ruling body accepted the final design proposals to upgrade the track to the highest international standard required to host a grand prix.
Once the work is completed, Kyalami will be Africa’s only FIA Grade 1 circuit.
The works will be carried out by UK-based Apex Circuit Design, the company behind the Miami street circuit that hosts the F1 race.
Kyalami has been granted a three-year window to complete the necessary upgrades for Grade 1 certification.
The track layout won’t need changing, and the work will focus on improving run-off areas, barrier systems, debris fencing, kerbs, and drainage.
The track owners said further upgrades will go ahead only if South Africa secures a place on the F1 calendar and Kyalami is chosen as the venue.
“This is a defining moment for South African motorsport,” circuit owner Toby Venter said. “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.
Kyalami’s last F1 race, in 1993
Grand Prix Photo
“The FIA’s acceptance of our Grade 1 design is a major step forward in that journey.
“Today, we turn the page to a bold new chapter for Kyalami. We are ready for the return of Formula 1 to African soil.”
Formula 1 last raced in Africa in 1993, at Kyalami, and has recently been looking for a venue to return to the continent in the near future.
Africa is the only inhabited continent currently missing from the F1 calendar.
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“We can’t be adding races in other locations and continue to ignore Africa, which the rest of the world just takes from. No one gives anything to Africa,” seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton said last year.
“I think having a grand prix there will really be able to highlight just how great the place is and bring in tourism and all sorts of things. Why are we not on that continent?”
In December last year, Rwandan President Paul Kagame officially announced a bid to host a grand prix, with plans for a new circuit near Bugesera airport, south of Kigali.
Rwanda’s bid is considered serious and has made “good progress” in discussions with F1, but it faces controversy due to political tensions in the region and concerns about human rights.
Morocco has also recently entered the race with a $1.2 billion project near Tangiers.
