South Africa inching closer to hosting an F1 Grand Prix as Kyalami approved for upgrades
The Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Johannesburg has received approval to begin upgrades necessary for FIA Grade One accreditation, which is required to host a Formula One event.
Photo: Facebook/Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit
John Perlman interviews Sudhir Matai, Managing Editor of Double Apex.
Listen below.
South Africa has not hosted a Formula 1 Grand Prix since 1993, but that may soon change.
The Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Johannesburg has received approval to begin upgrades necessary for FIA Grade One accreditation, which is required to host a Formula 1 event.
This development follows a productive meeting in September between South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.
RELATED: 'My term will be a failure if I don't bring F1 to SA' – Gayton McKenzie
According to reports, Kyalami has taken proactive steps by partnering with Apex Circuit Design to develop a comprehensive roadmap for achieving FIA Grade One accreditation.
This involves extensive safety enhancements, design improvements, and facility upgrades to meet the high standards set by Formula 1.
However, as Matai clarifies, these upgrades come with a significant price tag of $10 million, and there is no guarantee that the circuit will be ready to host a race in the near future.
"How long that will take has not been made public."
- Sudhir Matai, Managing Editor – Double Apex
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.