Kyalami circuit nears F1 host status as upgrade plans approved
The proposed FIA Grade 1 upgrade, which notably requires no change to the circuit layout, focuses on enhancing run-off areas, barrier systems, debris fencing, kerbs, and drainage.
The South African circuit of Kyalami has announced that plans to upgrade its facility to Grade 1 status have been approved by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), which would make it eligible to host Formula 1 races once the necessary works are completed.
Kyalami is among three venues vying to bring F1 back to the African continent, although the sport’s CEO, Stefano Domenicali, indicated that a deal was still a long way off.
Constructed in 1961, the original Kyalami circuit established itself as the premier motorsport facility in Southern Africa. The pleasant summer climate made Kyalami a favourite destination for European competitors who were unable to compete on their home soil due to the winter off-season.
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The current 4.522km layout, upgraded in 2016, already holds FIA Grade 2 certification, and the Kyalami precinct has proven itself as a successful, self-sustaining venue with year-round commercial activity.
Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit is now poised to take the next step in the evolution of the track, having received confirmation that the FIA has accepted final design proposals to upgrade the circuit to Grade 1 status – the highest international standard required to host Formula 1.
The FIA’s written acceptance of the amended design marks a significant achievement. 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.
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At a press conference held at Kyalami, circuit owner Toby Venter and Clive Bowen, founder and director of UK-based Apex Circuit Design, detailed a plan that has been ongoing for five years, culminating in FIA approval of the venue’s upgrade design.
“This is a defining moment for South African motorsport,” said Venter. “When we acquired Kyalami in 2014, we committed to restoring it not just as a world-class venue, but as a beacon for motorsport across the African continent. The FIA’s acceptance of our Grade 1 design is a major step forward in that journey.”
The proposed FIA Grade 1 upgrade, which notably requires no change to the circuit layout, focuses on enhancing run-off areas, barrier systems, debris fencing, kerbs, and drainage. “This is a light-touch upgrade in engineering terms, but one that enhances the already excellent circuit standards to meet modern Grade 1 requirements,” said Bowen.
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The FIA plan approval grants Kyalami three years to complete the intended Grade 1 upgrades. Initially, works will commence during periods when current business partners face no disruption to their event. Selected works will be actioned pending the successful outcome of South Africa’s place on the Formula 1 calendar and Kyalami being selected as the preferred hosting venue.
“Today, we turn the page to a bold new chapter for Kyalami. We are ready for the return of Formula 1 to African soil,” Venter concluded.
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