The history of the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit
Take a brief trip down memory lane on how far the Kyalami Grand Prix has come since being opened in 1961.
With the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in discussions with Formula One bosses since June 14, there is a possibility South Africa could be welcomed back on to the F1 Grand Prix calendar next year.
With all the discussions still taking place, here is some history on the circuit and what spectators should know about the local and international racetrack.
The track opened its doors and raceway track on November 4, 1961 and measured 4.104km. The Kyalami 9-Hour has been hosted at the circuit since 1961 after it was moved from a circuit near Grand Central Airport between 1958 and 1960.
According to the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit website, the circuit had established itself as a regular Formula One venue and was regarded as one of the 10 best circuits in the world. A number of international events had been hosted at the circuit on the original layout until 1988. These include 18 rounds of the F1 World Championship hosted between 1967 and 1985, the annual 9-Hour and 1 000km endurances races continuing from the circuit’s inception.
Since its inception, the track had undergone five upgrades in distance, turns and size and now runs at 4.529 km. Well-known Formula One drivers, who have excelled at the circuit, include drivers of the Williams team in Nigel Mansell for his victory in 1992, and Alain Prost’s win in 1993. Nine world champions have taken a victory at the circuit, and more are hopefully set to take pole position soon.
While F1 races had been halted at Kyalami, a number of other races and competitions still take place at the circuit namely, the Kyalami
9-Hours and the Intercontinental GT Challenge.
In 2014, the circuit was auctioned off to Porsche South Africa owner Toby Venter for R205 million. R100 million was invested for the upgrade which successfully gave the circuit FIA (International Automobile Federation) Grade Two status. This is one level below being able to host Formula One races.
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