[imagesource: Kyalami Circuit]
As per usual, let me start by saying you should not pop the bubbly just yet.
But today, or at least this week, we could receive confirmation that South Africa will host a 2023 Grand Prix race at Kyalami Circuit.
The buzz started last week with a report in Dutch outlet The Telegraaf stating that we’ve been added to next year’s schedule.
There has been nothing via any official channels, either in South Africa or from the FIA, but last night, social media was abuzz with reports that we will be welcoming Formula One back to our shores after a three-decade wait.
Two accounts, in particular, sent out news which was shared far and wide:
Official announcement expected this week.
— F1 Paddock Insider (@F1Insider_) July 11, 2022
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
BREAKING The South African GP at Kyalami will happen in 2023. Formula 1 and DHL have signed a large 5-YEAR contract to ship all goods and cargo to SA. (via insider sources) #f1 #southafricangp
— Sage Hou (@sge_hou) July 11, 2022
Neither of those accounts has a massive following and many were hesitant (we’ve been burnt before – 2023 Rugby World Cup still hurts) to get carried away.
However, Sasha Martinengo, a leading voice in South Africa’s F1 scene, has stated that the news comes from a “pretty reliable source”:
Unconfirmed yet pretty reliable source is claiming that
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
— F1sasha (@F1sasha) July 12, 2022
Roughly R5 000 per ticket is in line with figures quoted elsewhere.
Is this the week we hear confirmation that we should start saving for the occasion? Again, let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves.
In the same vein, sure I’ll take a 3D tour of the circuit and the facilities. South Africans have also hopped on board the fun with a few jokes:
mom: who sold the house??
*me at the Kyalami grand prix pic.twitter.com/MUFNuzhstu—
# (@tokkyoszn) July 11, 2022
No one:
Next year at kyalami: pic.twitter.com/q1jbclKQJP
— Ƭ Я Ө Y ™ (@_TroyMotene) July 11, 2022
the drivers going through the chicane near the hubbly section at Kyalami: pic.twitter.com/uPkx8b88Dq
— … (@AntagoniZt_) July 12, 2022
me when i see verstappen on the paddock at kyalami pic.twitter.com/bMWvQBw9BK
— hotay (@moehotay) July 11, 2022
A little more on the track itself via the official Kyalami website:
When the hammer fell at the auction on the 24th of July 2014 motorsport fans, both locally and internationally breathed a sigh of relief. The reason for their optimism for the future was simply, that a man with a passion for motorsport had rescued the historic venue from the brink of imminent demise. Toby Venter a well-known and respected motor business entrepreneur, visionary and successful race driver was the man behind the successful final bid.
What proceeded was an extensive redevelopment plan for the facility which represents the single largest upgrade in the circuit’s 54 year history. Alterations included a complete resurfacing of the circuit to international specifications, changes to the circuit layout, upgrade of circuit safety, improvement of all spectator areas and a major refurbishment of the pit building which now includes world class venues and facilities. The new 4.522km Grand Prix circuit has been certified by the Federation International de l’Automobile (FIA) as a Grade 2 race track, conforming to stringent international safety and quality standards. Kyalami is the only current motor racing facility on the African continent to have been bestowed with such prestigious accreditation.
Kyalami Circuit will need to get FIA Grade 1 certification before F1 can return to our shores but Venter and the track’s management team believe that won’t be a problem.
A few more nuggets before we go:
Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit:
– 4.52KM circuit
– There are 16 turns at Kyalami
– Circuit includes a full pit-lane with 40 garages for teams.
– Grade 2 certification by the FIA
– 1 DRS zone from turn 16 up to turn 2Last F1 race was back in 1993. Alain Prost came P1 for Williams. pic.twitter.com/EuBBQZgGjf
— Shazi (@NkosinathiShazi) July 11, 2022
It feels like we are close, South African motorsports fans.
Here’s hoping we get some sort of official announcement very soon.
[source:kyalami]
