A figurative news storm has been brewing at South Africa’s premier race track for quite some time now but it seems that we are closer than ever to the good news of hosting a Formula 1 event at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit. 
No official statement has been made by either the FIA or Kyalami management yet confirming an event but it is public knowledge that F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and an entourage of representatives made the journey to our country to get a closer view of the circuit and advise whether a Kyalami Grand Prix is a realistic option for the racing calendar in 2023.
Toby Venter, CEO of Kyalami and Porsche South Africa hosted the Formula 1 big wigs and went onto the record to say he would be delighted to see the return of the event to the famous and historic circuit.
A statement issued by Kyalami today reads: “We can confirm that negotiations with several key role players (including Kyalami) to enable the return of F1 to South Africa are under way.” It is believed that interviews are being held at the moment to reach contractual agreements with the key role players which also includes TV rights and other associated aspects relating to the event. The statement further adds: “Should agreements be in place, F1 will make an announcement. Until then, Kyalami remains committed to finding agreeable solutions.”
This is all tentative but based on how far the process has come, it is realistic that should Kyalami satisfy the requirements to host the premier motorsport event, it could happen as early as 2023. Rumoured changes that will need to take place at the track include wider run-off areas and more safety barricades. Should this all be be done before next year’s edition of the Kyalami 9 Hour, it will be lights out and away we go for the Kyalami Grand Prix.
