Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit has announced that it has engaged the services of Apex Circuit Design to prepare a roadmap for upgrading the racetrack to conform to all the requirements of a modern Formula 1 (F1) circuit.
This comes as Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, announced this October that the pinnacle of motorsport is “definitely coming” back to the country after last hosting a race in 1993.
McKenzie has held constructive meetings with both F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali as well as President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who both reportedly showed interest in an F1 race on local soil.
“With its rich history of Formula 1 events at the circuit, Kyalami is perfectly suited to host top-tier international motor racing events,” said the circuit.
“Sharing the ethos of creating an engaging spectator and participant experience, Kyalami and Apex are working together to prepare Kyalami for FIA Grade 1 accreditation.”
The upgrades will reportedly cost in the region of $10 million (R177 million) and include extended runoff areas at three corners in addition to enhancements to select barriers to meet F1 safety standards.
Cape Town vs Joburg
While Kyalami is drooling to taste F1 rubber once more, it’s not guaranteed that it will be the one hosting the momentous comeback.
Minister McKenzie revealed that one of the primary decisions remaining is whether the South African F1 will go down in Cape Town or Johannesburg upon its eventual return.
“There’s still a big fight at the moment, is it Cape Town, or is it Joburg? That decision has not been taken,” he said.
He said a new racetrack is currently being constructed in the Western Cape capital adjacent to the Fisantekraal airport that will be capable of accommodating a demanding leg of the F1 championship.
Which track gets the majority vote remains to be seen.
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