FIA clears Kyalami Grade 1 design: South Africa races closer to F1 debut

The FIA's recent approval of Kyalami's Grade 1 circuit design marks a pivotal advance toward hosting the first African Grand Prix, fulfilling Lewis Hamilton's vision of a truly global F1 calendar and boosting South African motorsport's international profile.

Sources:
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Updated 2h ago
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Sources: gpfans.com
The FIA has officially granted Kyalami circuit Grade 1 status following approval of its reconstruction plans, a crucial step that allows South Africa to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix.

This development is part of F1's rapid global expansion since 2018, with numerous countries vying to join the calendar. The modernization of Kyalami aims to meet the highest standards required for F1 racing.

"This is a defining moment for South African motorsport," said Toby Venter, owner of the Kyalami circuit. "When we acquired Kyalami in 2014, we made a commitment to restore it, not just as a world-class venue, but as a beacon for motorsport across the African continent."

The move also aligns with calls from prominent figures like Lewis Hamilton, who has emphasized that Formula 1 cannot truly be a global championship without representation from Africa. Hamilton has described a grand prix in the region as his "biggest dream."

With the FIA's clearance, South Africa is now closer than ever to rejoining the F1 calendar, potentially ending a decades-long absence and bringing the sport to a new audience on the continent.

This milestone not only highlights the growth of Formula 1 but also underscores the importance of expanding the sport's reach to new regions, fulfilling both commercial and cultural aspirations.

The Kyalami circuit's upgrade and FIA approval mark a significant step toward realizing the dream of an African Grand Prix, promising to invigorate motorsport enthusiasm across the continent.
Sources: gpfans.com
The FIA has approved Kyalami circuit's reconstruction plans, granting it Grade 1 status required to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix. This milestone brings South Africa closer to its F1 debut, fulfilling a long-held dream for the continent and marking a significant moment for African motorsport.
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The Headline

FIA approves Kyalami Grade 1, advancing African F1 race

Key Facts
  • Lewis Hamilton stated that F1 cannot be a global championship until the African continent is represented on the calendar, calling a grand prix in the region his biggest dream.gpfans.com
  • The FIA approved the track operator's reconstruction plans to modernise the Kyalami circuit and grant it Grade 1 status, which is required to host a grand prix, supporting the addition of an African Grand Prix.gpfans.com
  • Kyalami circuit owner Toby Venter described the FIA's acceptance of their Grade 1 design as a defining moment for South African motorsport and a major step forward.gpfans.com
F1’s growth since 2018 has seen unprecedented interest, not only from fans but also from nations and cities all seeking to host a race weekend of their own.
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Background Context

Context on Kyalami's restoration and F1's global growth

Key Facts
  • F1 has experienced unprecedented growth since 2018, attracting interest from fans, nations, and cities eager to host race weekends, highlighting the significance of adding new venues like Kyalami.gpfans.com
  • Kyalami was acquired in 2014 by Toby Venter, who committed to restoring it as a world-class venue and a beacon for motorsport across Africa.gpfans.com
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