Dylan Bettencourt
Formula 1’s return to Kyalami with the South African Grand Prix is set to be announced this week.
A five-year deal is said to have been agreed between the Kyalami Circuit and Formula 1, according to the F1 Paddock Insider.
Official confirmation is expected to be announced later this week, ending a 30-year wait for the return of motor sport’s premier formula to Africa.
Formula 1 last raced in South Africa in 1993 when Alain Prost won the race for Williams.
Rumours and reports of a return to Kyalami have been rife in the last few months with Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali visiting the track recently.
Concerns have been raised of Kyalami’s suitability to host a Formula 1 race as it does not meet the requirements as specified by the FIA.
Kyalami currently has FIA Grade 2 status with Formula 1 tracks needing Grade 1 status to host a race.
That speedbump was said to be the topic of discussion on several occasions over who will pay the price of upgrading the track.
While this is still not known, an agreed deal will set the ball rolling on the upgrades to Kyalami for next year’s race.
Last week reports showed that Kyalami was added to the provisional calendar for 2023 and was the topic of discussion in a driver’s meeting.
While doing a show for Ladbible, the Red Bull pair of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez were asked where they would like to see Formula 1 race.
Verstappen replied South Africa, to which Perez responded: “It’s coming.”
A possible slip of the tongue from the Mexican but all the signs are pointing towards the roar of Formula 1 cars to be heard in the hills around Kyalami.
Image source: @AfricaFactsZone
