The murmurs are once again reaching fever pitch for a local Formula 1 race. This time, supposed insider sources confirm Kyalami as an official circuit for the 2023 calendar with a multi-year deal thereafter.
The insider sources that haven’t been detailed have also mentioned that the historic circuit will include a 5-year contract with Formula 1 and DHL which means that if it makes a return next season, will mark its 3 decade hiatus.
BREAKING: The South African GP at Kyalami is CONFIRMED for 2023. Formula 1 and DHL have signed a 5-YEAR contract.
Formula 1 will return to South Africa after nearly 30 years since the last Grand Prix.#F1 #Formula1 #SouthAfricanGP
— F1 Paddock Insider (@F1Insider_) July 11, 2022
This is still all unconfirmed and no official comment has been made by Kyalami management but after the positive affirmation of F1 head honcho Stefano Domenicali visiting the track not too long ago, we can see some truth in this – although the validity of the Twitter account above is also questionable. Circuit representatives remain hopeful at hosting the event although have confirmed with us that no deal has been signed yet.
Apart from a few small additions and improvements to the track, the Kyalami circuit ticks most of the boxes the FIA require for a Grand Prix event.
F1 Paddock Insider on Twitter has also mentioned that an official announcement can be expected this week considering we are approaching the time of year where the Formula 1 calendar for next season is being finalised. The account in question further details that tickets are likely going to cost around R5 000 which equates to €300. This is approximately the same amount paid for a weekend pass at European circuits on the calendar although the vague rumour doesn’t divulge any other details.
More BREAKING on the South African Grand Prix:
Tickets are most likely going to cost around 5000 South African Rand, which is around 300 Euros.#F1 #Formula1 #SouthAfricanGP
— F1 Paddock Insider (@F1Insider_) July 11, 2022
From 2023, Formula 1 will have been missing from Kyalami for 3 decades with the last race to take place being the season opener of 1993. The race on the 14th of March had Alain Prost on pole position ahead of rival Aytron Senna but upon start, the pole sitter fell to third behind the Brazilian and Hill. Prost managed to win the race with Senna just behind and Blundell in third. The legendary Michael Schumacher was also contending for the podium places before coming in contact with Senna’s car, retiring him from the race. History may repeat itself next year with the seven-time World Champion’s son coming into his own over the past few races for the Haas Formula 1 team.
If any deals are signed that will bring the premier flight of motorsport to South Africa, Kyalami management will communicate this monumental news in conjunction with Formula 1.
