The African continent could be reunited with Formula 1 after more than three decades without racing. South Africa is at the forefront of negotiations to bring Formula 1 back to the Kyalami circuit, which hosted its last race in 1993. The country is preparing an investment of close to 100 million dollars to meet the technical and financial requirements imposed by the championship organisers.
The plan, promoted by the South African Ministry of Sport and backed by a number of private companies, includes allocating a significant part of the budget to pay for organising fees and the refurbishment of the track. The aim is for Kyalami to achieve Grade 1 homologation, the only homologation that allows it to host Formula 1. The works would include safety improvements, enlargement of escape areas and modernisation of the access to the circuit.
The South African authorities see the project as a strategic opportunity to position the country as a sporting and tourism reference in Africa. In addition to the media impact, it is estimated that the event could generate thousands of direct jobs and attract new investment in the hotel, logistics and technology sectors.
The continent has not hosted a Formula 1 event since 1993, when Alain Prost won in Kyalami at the wheel of a Williams. Since then, several attempts to bring back an African venue have fallen by the wayside due to a lack of financial support or political stability. Now, the situation seems more favourable, with a coordinated commitment between public institutions and private capital.
However, South Africa is not the only country in the bidding. Morocco, Rwanda and Nigeria have also submitted proposals to host a Grand Prix. The Moroccan project in Tangier is for a leisure and racing complex worth more than a billion dollars, while Rwanda plans to build a state-of-the-art circuit near Kigali. Nigeria, meanwhile, wants to build a track in Abuja with the support of technology and education companies.
Formula One is considering all the bids, but South Africa has the edge because of its history in the championship and the existence of a previous infrastructure. The promoters hope to finalise a deal with Formula One Management before 2026, which would allow the race to be included in the 2027 calendar.
The return of the Grand Circus to the African continent would represent much more than a sporting event. For the governments involved, it is a symbol of modernisation, an economic boost and an opportunity to project a new international image. If it comes to fruition, Africa will once again hear the roar of single-seaters in just two years, sealing the return of a long-awaited passion.
Source: ambito.com; grandprix.com