Kyalami in pole position for South Africa GP return in 2028

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The return of a long-talked-about F1 South Africa GP made major strides this week. The former South Africa GP host circuit, located just North of Johannesburg, has staged no less than 21 F1 races up until its last in 1993.

Nevertheless, Formula 1 is plainly keen to complete an expanded calendar. By reintegrating the African continent into its 24-race schedule, which has been missing for 32 years, F1 will truly become a ‘world championship’ once again …

RETURN OF THE SOUTH AFRICA GP

Government officials and circuit owners have lots to smile about at Kyalami. Image: File

However, many names have been linked with a future African GP. In preceding months this has included Cape Town, Rwanda and even Morocco. Nevertheless, Kyalami currently has FIA Grade 2 status. But this week it had its plans for F1-ready ‘Grade 1’ certification approved by the FIA.

In a statement by Kyalami GP Circuit owner, Toby Venter, he announced it has: “Received confirmation that the FIA has accepted final design proposals. This will upgrade the circuit to Grade 1 status, which is the highest international standard required to host Formula 1. As such, once the 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 Venter.

DEFINING MOMENT FOR SOUTH AFRICA

Formula 1 looked very different when it last raced at Kyalami 32-years ago. Image: File

Furthermore, Venter reiterated at the South Africa GP press conference: “This is truly a defining moment for South African motorsport. Very little work needs to be done to achieve the Grade 1 rubber-stamp for Kyalami. I would describe it as a light-touch upgrade,” said Venter.

“Likewise, the FIA has given Kyalami three years (2028) to complete the upgrades for a South Africa GP return. Today, we turn the page to a bold new chapter for Kyalami and South Africa. We are ready for the return of Formula 1 and the South Africa GP,” Venter concluded – with GMM