Kyalami’s Grade 1 Circuit Upgrade Signals A New Era For Motorsport And Formula 1 In Africa

The Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit has received official confirmation that the Federation International de l'Automobile (FIA) has accepted final design proposals to upgrade the circuit to Grade 1 status – the highest international standard required to host Formula 1. 

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.  

Apex, an internationally recognised circuit design house also steered the design of, amongst others, the Miami Formula 1 street circuit. 

“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 FIA plan approval grants Kyalami a three-year period to complete the intended Grade 1 upgrades.  

“We are turning the page to a bold new chapter for Kyalami. We are ready for the return of Formula 1 to African soil,” said Venter. 

Kyalami faces competition from Cape Town, Rwanda and Morocco to host a Formula 1 race on African soil.