Can Kyalami take back its place on the F1 calendar?

Kyalami, which hasn't hosted an F1 Grand Prix since 1993, is a strong contender on the list of potential circuits being considered, with over 12 000 votes at the time of going to print.

February 2, 2017

Elaine Rodway 2 minutes read

The Kyalami Circuit in Midrand, Gauteng, which hasn't hosted an F1 Grand Prix since 1993, is a strong contender on the list of potential circuits being considered, with over 11 000 votes at the time of going to print. (Photo: www.kyalamigrandprixcircuit.com)

FANS of Formula 1 are being given an opportunity to make their mark in a poll that could see the popular Kyalami Circuit in South Africa featuring once more on the F1 calendar.

Kyalami, which hasn’t hosted an F1 Grand Prix since 1993, is a strong contender on the list of potential circuits being considered, with over 12 000 votes at the time of going to print.

With 86-year-old Bernie Ecclestone’s 40 year reign over F1 coming to an end recently, Formula 1’s new owner, Liberty Media is keen to expand Formula 1 on a global scale, following a £6.5billion takeover, and new chief, Chase Carey (62) has hinted at potential new grands prix in the US and UK.

SINGAPORE - SEPTEMBER 19: F1 Supremo Bernie Ecclestone walks in the paddock during previews for the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix at Marina Bay Street Circuit on September 19, 2013 in Singapore, Singapore. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) — ‘I’m proud of the business I built over the last 40 years and would like to thank everyone I have worked with. I am sure Chase will execute his role in a way that will benefit the sport.’ – Bernie Ecclestone. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

Ecclestone will stay on in an advisory capacity as Chairman Emeritus, a title which is one of prestige that signifies his past experiences and accomplishments in Formula 1. According to an article in the Daily Mail, Ecclestone said: ‘I’m proud of the business I built over the last 40 years and would like to thank everyone I have worked with. I am sure Chase will execute his role in a way that will benefit the sport.’

But what about a South African Grand Prix?

Sky News has set up a poll where fans can make their mark by voting for their favourite track to be included in the revised F1 calendar under Liberty Media’s reign and the Kyalami Race Circuit in Midrand, Gauteng, is in the top three of the list at the time of writing this article, close behind Netherlands and London in first and second respectively.

According to formula1.com, Liberty Media furthermore appointed Ross Brawn as Managing Director of Motor Sports and Sean Bratches as Managing Director of Commercial Operations. These appointments are effective immediately in conjunction with the completion of Liberty Media’s acquisition of Formula 1.

Chase Carey (centre) is the new chief with Sean Bratches (left) as commercial operations director and Ross Brawn as sports director. (Photo: www.dailymail.co.uk)

“It’s fantastic to be returning to the world of Formula 1,” stated Brawn. “I’ve enjoyed consulting with Liberty Media these last few months and I’m looking forward to working with Chase, Sean and the rest of the Formula 1 Team to help the evolution of the sport. We have an almost unprecedented opportunity to work together with the teams and promoters for a better F1 for them and, most importantly, for the fans.”

Ross-Brawn-replace-Bernie-Eccelstone-as-new-F1-boss — “It’s fantastic to be returning to the world of Formula 1,” states Ross Brawn. (Photo: thisisf1.com)

Sean Bratches added, “I’m very excited to be joining Formula 1 and contribute to the continued growth of this extraordinary global brand and sport. Formula 1 is one of few truly global tier one sports, and I am encouraged by the manifold opportunities to materially grow the business, work closely with current and future sponsors, race circuits, television rights holders as well as create next generation digital and on-site race experiences to best serve the Formula 1 fans.”