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FIA

The FIA has officially accepted final design proposals to upgrade South Africa’s historic Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit to Grade 1—meeting the highest international standard required to host Formula 1—paving the way for the return of top-tier racing to African soil.

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🏁 What’s the grade‑jump all about?

• Kyalami, located in Midrand between Pretoria and Johannesburg, was built in 1961 and became Africa’s premier motorsport venue, hosting 21 Formula 1 races between 1967 and 1993 .
• In 2016, the circuit underwent a major overhaul to achieve FIA Grade 2 certification, making it suitable for international motorsport events—such as the Kyalami 9‑Hour endurance race—but not yet eligible for F1 .
• The newly approved design aims to elevate Kyalami to Grade 1, the classification required to host Formula 1 World Championship races .

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The upgrade: What it entails

• Final design approval: FIA has accepted detailed plans for enhancements, allowing a three‑year window to complete works .
• Light‑touch engineering: No alteration to the iconic 4.522 km layout, but safety upgrades are key: expanded run‑off areas, improved barrier systems, new debris fencing, refurbished kerbs, and upgraded drainage .
• UK-based Apex Circuit Design—also behind the Miami F1 street circuit—led the modifications .
• Civil works linked to F1 hosting: Selected works will be prioritised if and when Kyalami secures a race on the F1 calendar; otherwise upgrade will proceed in phases to support ongoing events .

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A milestone for South African motorsport

• Circuit owner Toby Venter, who led the 2014 acquisition and revitalisation of Kyalami, described the FIA green light as “a major step forward” and “a defining moment for South African motorsport”, confirming that “we are ready for the return of Formula 1 to African soil” .
• Apex’s Clive Bowen emphasised that the upgrades would significantly enhance safety to Grade 1 standards without compromising the circuit’s character .

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The return of F1 to Africa: A broader play

• Africa is the only inhabited continent absent from the 24-race F1 calendar; South Africa’s strong bid is pitted against Cape Town and Rwanda, though Rwanda’s bid complicates with regional instability .
• F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said efforts are ongoing to revive an African race, but more time, funding and stability are needed .
• South Africa’s bid is bolstered by infrastructure, motorsport legacy, public enthusiasm, and a venue that already hosts major motorsport and lifestyle events .

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Timeline and budget expectations

• Three-year deadline: The FIA window begins upon design approval; all upgrades must be completed within this period .
• Estimated cost: Reports from IOL place the necessary investment between US$5–10 million .
• Phased works: Infrastructure upgrades will be integrated into the circuit’s annual event schedule to minimise disruption to commercial activities .

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Kyalami’s heritage: A proud pedigree

• The Grand Prix Circuit has hosted:
• F1 races (1967–1985; 1992–1993)
• Sports car racing classics like the Kyalami 9‑Hour
• MotoGP and World Superbike .
• Under Venter’s leadership since 2014, Kyalami regained momentum and became a self-sustaining venue hosting not only races, but conferences, exhibitions, lifestyle events and activations .

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Roadblocks and competition

• No promoter yet: Government support being discussed, but formal F1 event promoters are yet to sign on .
• Financial model in focus: F1 is cautious—returns must justify costs, and sustainable revenue streams must be proven .
• Continent-wide rivalry: Rwanda and Cape Town bids add competition, with Kyalami banking on its heritage and existing setup .
• Timing: Even with Grade 1 upgrades, a return is unlikely before 2027, due to calendar churn and logistics .

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Impacts and benefits

• Tourism boost: An F1 event would attract global fans, requiring upgraded hospitality, transport and urban amenities.
• Economic surge: Job creation, expanded hospitality, retail and promotional opportunities could inject hundreds of millions into regional economy.
• Local talent and motorsport: Revitalising grassroots racing, academies and engineering opportunities.
• Global image: Hosting F1 signals South Africa’s capability in international event delivery.

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