The path to Formula 1: Kyalami's upgrade to FIA Grade 1 standards

The Kyalami Grand Prix circuit is about to undergo a transformation as it gears up to become Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) Grade 1 compliant.

Grade 1 status is the highest international standard required to host Formula 1.

At a press conference held at Kyalami, circuit owner Toby Venter said that between $5-10 million will be spent over the next three years to ensure that the circuit is the only Formula 1 compliant track on the continent.

Grade 2

The current 4.522km layout, upgraded in 2016, already holds FIA Grade 2 certification and the Kyalami precinct has proven itself as a successful and self-sustaining venue with year-round commercial activity. 

The facility’s multi-use functionality includes conferences, shows, exhibitions, activations and lifestyle events that remain central to its commercial model.

Government

South Africa has been crying out to be included on the F1 calendar and this could be the silver bullet.

However, since Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie’s high profile visits and photo opportunities with FIA and F1 owners and Liberty Media executives, things have gone quiet.

McKenzie is quoted as saying that the success of his position rests on him being able to bring an F1 race to South Africa.

His department has taken bids from interested parties, with the most successful bid presented to the FIA.

However, according to Double Apex, none of the bids were adequate, and as a result no promoter has yet been appointed to pitch to the governing body.

Own agenda

Asked whether the upgrades to Kyalami wasn’t putting the cart before the horse, considering the seemingly stalled progress from government, Venter said: “Kyalami has its own agenda and we want it to live up to its legacy, we also call ourselves a Grand Prix Circuit and we wanted to take out that one point where everyone said ‘Kyalami is not ready’.

“Ultimately we don’t know what the government's plan or agenda is but we can manage our situation here, and irrespective of Formula 1, we’re looking to improve Kyalami that will enhance events for people that host events here. That’s our plan, irrespective of what else is going on.”

The circuit has received confirmation that the FIA has accepted final design proposals to upgrade the circuit to Grade 1 status.

Clive Bowen, founder and director of UK-based Apex Circuit Design, detailed a plan which has been ongoing for five years, culminating in FIA approval of the venue’s upgrade design. Apex, an internationally recognised circuit design house also steered the design of, among others, the Miami Formula 1 street circuit.

No major changes

The proposed FIA Grade 1 upgrade, which requires no change to the circuit layout, focuses on enhancing run-off areas, barrier systems, debris fencing, kerbs and drainage.

“This is a light-touch upgrade in engineering terms, but one that enhances the already excellent circuit standards to meet modern Grade 1 requirements,” said Bowen. 

Initially, work will commence during periods when current business partners face no disruption to their event. Selected works will continue, pending the successful outcome of South Africa’s place on the Formula 1 calendar and Kyalami being selected as the preferred hosting venue.

“Today, we turn the page to a bold new chapter for Kyalami. We are ready for the return of Formula 1 to African soil,” concluded Venter.

Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit was constructed in 1961 and by the mid-1970s it had gained recognition as one of the best Grand Prix circuits in the world, hosting a total of 21 Formula 1 Grand Prix races. The Kyalami 9-Hour became a favourite race in the sports car world championship and Moto GP was also hosted from 1983 to 1985.

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