Kyalami secures pole position for the return of the Africa GP.
"This is a pivotal moment for motorsport in South Africa."
The former Formula 1 venue, Kyalami, is now in a leading position to bring Formula 1 back to the African continent. The sport is evidently eager to finalize a genuine 'world' championship calendar by reestablishing the only continent currently absent from the 24-race schedule. Various locations have been mentioned as potential hosts for a future African Grand Prix, including Cape Town, Rwanda, Morocco, and Zanzibar. However, Kyalami, which previously hosted 21 F1 races before 1993 and is located just north of Johannesburg, has recently received approval for its plans to obtain FIA 'Grade 1' certification, which is necessary for F1 events. At present, the circuit has FIA Grade 2 status.
In an announcement, the venue stated it has "received confirmation that the FIA has accepted final design proposals to upgrade the circuit to Grade 1 status - the highest international standard needed to host Formula 1."
"Once the capital improvements are completed and a final inspection takes place, Kyalami will be Africa’s sole FIA Grade 1 circuit, equipped to host Formula 1 on the continent."
Circuit owner Toby Venter remarked in a press conference: "This is a pivotal moment for South African motorsport." He noted that only minimal modifications are necessary to receive the Grade 1 approval, describing it as a "light-touch upgrade." The statement also mentioned that the FIA has granted Kyalami three years to complete the enhancements. Venter concluded: "Today, we begin a bold new chapter for Kyalami. We are prepared for the return of Formula 1 to African soil."
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