Latest news with #GrandPrixCircuit
IOL News
25-07-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
South Africa's bid to retain Formula 1 licence faces competition from Morocco
Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit has received confirmation that the FIA has accepted final design proposals to upgrade the circuit to Grade 1 status. South Africa's sole chance of retaining the continent's Formula 1 licence is on the line. A media statement from the Cape Town F1 City Development Consortium confirmed that the Minister of Sport has announced plans to lead a high-profile delegation to a meeting during the Budapest F1 Grand Prix, taking place from 1–3 August 2025. Their objective: to engage with Formula 1 authorities and bolster the bid for Kyalami, the historic racetrack that once hosted the Grand Prix. The urgency of this initiative arises from the singular nature of the proposal being presented. Currently, Kyalami stands as South Africa's only contender to maintain the F1 licence; a supporting bid from Morocco has emerged, posing a significant threat to South Africa's standing in the motorsport arena. If Morocco's proposal, which has garnered considerable attention, is submitted and deemed satisfactory by F1 officials, it could spell the end of South Africa's long-standing connection with the prestigious racing series. Historically, Kyalami has been a cherished venue, often described as the 'home of South African motorsport.' However, the reality of stiff competition looms large as F1 expands its global reach. Many countries, such as Thailand, are eyeing the coveted F1 licence, and the pressure mounts further on South Africa's sporting bureaucracies and stakeholders. The Cape Town F1 City Development Consortium has tabled an audacious bid. This initiative aims to transform 500 hectares of the Wingfield and Ysterplaat air bases into a state-of-the-art F1 Grand Prix circuit, accompanied by hospitality and urban development offerings. Positioned strategically near the vibrant Cape Town CBD, the project is designed to elevate not only the city's profile but also the entire African region as a premier sporting and entertainment hub. The Cape Town F1 bid stands apart due to its innovative approach that aligns with the evolving business model of Formula 1. Rather than relying solely on motor racing, this bid envisions a multisensory experience for fans, providing an array of entertainment, tourism attractions, and luxury accommodations to cater to a diverse clientele. From dollar multi-billionaires to high-net-worth enthusiasts, the plan includes top-tier accommodations on docked cruise ships and superyachts within proximity to Cape Town's award-winning international airport. Underpinning the ambitious vision is the integration of rich local culture and scenic attractions. With the breathtaking backdrop of Table Mountain, Robben Island, and the renowned Cape Winelands, the bid not only seeks to draw in F1 fans but also serves as an invitation to explore the beauty and heritage of the region. Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel. Cape Argus
The Citizen
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
BNXN and DJ Maphorisa take up stage at Johnnie Walker AfroExchange
Johannesburg witnessed a cultural eruption in late June as Johnnie Walker AfroExchange made its powerful debut at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit. From bold whiskey flavours to boundary-breaking beats, the event brought creative powerhouses from South Africa and Nigeria together under one roof for a celebration and exchange of African excellence between two of the continent's most vibrant countries. Ifeoma Agu, group head of culture, influencer, and advocacy at Diageo South, West, and Central Africa, said AfroExchange was the intersection of rhythm, canvas, and couture – a celebration of how we create, express, and define culture. Also read: Kyalami circuit nears F1 host status as upgrade plans approved 'We walk with the artists, designers, and musicians who are turning Afro creativity into global influence. This is more than an event; it's a platform for bold creators to be seen, heard, and celebrated,' said Agu. Hosted by Nomuzi Mabena, popularly known as Moozlie, Johnnie Walker AfroExchange was an opportunity to remind all Africans of the power of their creativity. The highlight of the night was the stellar music line-up, which saw the convergence of the continent's most innovative sonic architects. Nigerian superstar BNXN delivered an unforgettable performance; South Africa's own DJ Maphorisa shut down the stage with an Amapiano masterclass, while Thukzin took the audience on an Afro-tech journey that blurred the line between rave and ritual, among others. Also read: South Africa's premier automotive event returns to Kyalami Throughout the night, the bar remained a vibrant part of the experience, offering bespoke Johnnie Walker cocktails that paired perfectly with the evening's curated beats, visuals, and style. One of the most exciting experiences of the evening was the Flavour Station, a dynamic corner of the venue where guests could learn to mix their cocktails under the guidance of expert mixologists. As the music played and the drinks flowed, attendees were invited to create their art, adding brushstrokes to communal canvases and leaving their mark on AfroExchange in the most personal way possible. The event saw the likes of South Africa's most loved Amapiano DJ DBN GOGO, Shaka ILembe actor Senzo Radebe, former Muvhango actor Raphael Griffiths, and South African rappers Gigi Lamayne and Reason in attendance. As the night ended and the beats faded, one thing was clear: JW AfroExchange is just getting started. With Lagos up next later in the year, the cultural baton has officially been passed, promising more collaboration, more creativity, and even deeper cross-cultural resonance. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
IOL News
22-07-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
Surviving the East London Grand Prix Circuit: a day of speed and surprises in the Toyota GR Cup
Overnight rain had drenched the circuit and made the run-off areas a muddy quagmire with the new surface on Cox's Corner becoming an ice rink. Image: Supplied The fifth round of the Extreme Festival and the Toyota GR Cup was everything we expected and dollops more as we tackled the blisteringly fast East London Grand Prix Circuit. It was a race that hovered constantly in the background as the season progressed due to its unforgiving nature, legendary fast bends, tight infield and hairpin corners. As a result, Toyota Gazoo South Africa (TGRSA) had arranged for us to spend time on the simulator at their headquarters at Zwartkops under the watchful eye of instructor Devon Scott, so that we at least had an idea of the layout before getting in behind the wheel of our GR Yaris. Practice We were out early for practice on Friday morning to experience first hand Potters Pass, a fast sweeping righthander, followed by Rifle Bend, taken with your foot on the floor before hard braking for the Cocobana hairpin. It's a lot different from the simulator, let me tell you, and the first session was spent getting familiar with the track, sussing out brake markers and turning points. Border motor racing had resurfaced Cox's Corner, which forms part of the twisty Complex section, and it proved to be the nemesis of quite a few of us as we struggled to find grip before heading flat out into the Sweep towards the final hairpin into the main straight. My times steadily improved in practice two and three with the help of Lorenzo Gualtieri from Comprehensive Driving Solutions, who insisted I could carry a lot more speed and needed to be more aggressive with the turns at The Complex. It takes a paradigm shift not to lift off on Rifle Bend to keep speeding at more than 220km/h towards the Beacon Bend hairpin. It's a hard brake to be sure from the 100m marker, but the Powerbrakes on the GR Yaris quickly slow you down before another flat-out section down the Beach Straight and into Butts Bend before the Esses. Independent and IOL's GR Yaris #60. Image: Supplied Rainy race day Race day dawned cold, wet and misty. Overnight rain had drenched the circuit and made the run-off areas a muddy quagmire. Puddles, streams and a constant drizzle around a relatively unknown track on sem-slick Dunlop tyres resulted in some nervous discussions in the GR Cup paddock. We had been divided into two qualifying sections as a result of the large 25-car grid so that there would be enough clean air between us. I was in the second group; the cars before us had dried up some of the racing lines while the sun was beginning to peek out behind the clouds which augured well for qualifying times. We were instructed to stay to the right of the main straight and to keep the accelerator pinned to the floor through the streams of water flowing over the track. I used the first two laps to gauge new braking points in the wet and especially how to maneuver through The Complex which had become an ice rink. I'd use lap three as the first hot lap and stomped on the accelerator after Beacon Bend. With the sea as a backdrop, the East London Grand Prix Circuit is the fastest in the country. Image: Supplied Dangers of Motorsport Coming up behind the spray of Riaan de Ru in his GR Corolla #555, I saw a slight twitch of his car as it started to aquaplane and slipped past his outside. At the first marshal point after Potters Pass, red flags waved furiously. We were directed back into the pits, where we were told that #555 had had a horrific accident, skidding off the track before hitting the tyre barrier and somersaulting through the air before landing on his roof. It's a testimony to the quality of the safety systems, including the roll cage and the safety equipment we have been issued with, that he managed to walk away unscathed. It was also a sobering reminder of the risks we take every time we go out on track. As a result, qualifying was cancelled, and we'd be using the best times set in practice. Round five of the Extreme Festival tested drivers and cars to the limit. Image: Supplied One race The day's programme was also reshuffled as a result of the extensive delays as cars slid and crashed that saw our two heats consolidated into one race of 12 laps. That would mean 50 percent more laps. The sun was out so we'd have to keep an eye out for drivetrain temperatures, as a result of the track's incredibly fast layout placing an enormous strain on components, tyre management would be crucial and so would looking after the brakes. It would be another rolling start and for the first time this season I managed to get away really well. Turning into Potters there was an almighty spin-off by some of the competitors which I managed to avoid allowing me to make up a good few places, including fifth place in our class. I was starting to get into a rhythm and was chasing down those ahead of me passing a few as my lap times decreased and the car responded to my inputs. Even the sketchy parts of the track were now starting to become a bit more comfortable at speeds close to and over 200km/h. With so many accidents, it was also a sobering reminder of the risks we take every time we go out on track. Image: Supplied Crash boom bang On lap eight heading out of the complex and onto the sweep with the accelerator floored, a GR Corolla tried to pass on my inside and hit me on the driver's side causing me to spin across the track and into the outfield. It was an almighty thump. Fortunately I managed to control the slide, but I had lost all momentum as I rejoined with the pack passing me. The car seemed to show no component damages or alignment issues, but for the rest of the race I was playing catch-up. The day's topsy-turvey events compounded by an unnecessary spin once again showed that racing is a cruel mistress. Still, I had managed to conquer the circuit, overcome the fear of Potters and Rifle and brought GR Yaris #60 back in one piece. We have a six week break in the calendar before the second last race of the season and our second outing at Killarney Race Track in Cape Town.
Eyewitness News
22-06-2025
- Automotive
- Eyewitness News
How soon could Kyalami be back on the F1 calendar?
Daniell 21 June 2025 | 16:12 Formula 1 702 Weekend Breakfast with Gugs Mhlungu Motorsport An aereal view of the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, a motor racing circuit in Midrand, on February 3, 2025. In the aspiration of Lewis Hamilton, apostle of a return of F1 to the only continent deserted by the calendar, South Africa is mounting a bid to reorganize a Grand Prix, three decades later. Picture: AFP 702's Gugs Mhlungu picks the brain of resident motoring enthusiast Kumbi Mtshakazi. For years, many in the Formula One world, most notably Sir Lewis Hamilton, have been calling for an African race, and for years rumours of a return to Kyalami have abounded. Now that the FIA has granted approval for Class 1 upgrades, how likely is it that the return will happen any time soon, if at all? The upgrades, estimated to cost up to R200 million, will be focused on improving track safety, as well as infrastructural improvements to accommodate the spectacle that is an F1 race. "It's not any upgrades in terms of engineering, but it's just to enhance the excellent circuit that's at Kyalami to just meet the modern F1 requirements." Kumbi Mtshakazi, Resident Motoring Enthusiast While the odds are certainly in Kyalami's favour, it faces competition both locally and from the rest of the continent. There has been huge interest in hosting a street race in Cape Town, which would follow the same route as the hugely successful Formula E race which took place in 2023. Rwanda, with its rapidly developing economy and eagerness to welcome the world, has also thrown its hat in the ring. Kyalami, though, has a proven track record, having been a regular on the calendar from 1967-1985, and again in 1992 and 1993, and already has FIA Grade 2 certification. It is also a favourite among drivers who have driven the circuit before. "Kyalami deserves this one." Resident Motoring Enthusiast, Kumbi Mtshakazi Competition for a spot on the F1 calendar is fierce, and only getting fiercer, which has led many to speculate that South Africa could wait up to ten years to see a race. Mtshakazi, though, remains optimistic that it could happen much sooner than that. The Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola, Italy, has already lost its place on the calendar, and rumours are circulating that other old-school tracks won't have their contracts renewed. Should those rumours be accurate, and more tracks lose their spots, there's a chance Kyalami could see racing action as soon as 2028 or 2029. Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the full interview.
The Citizen
19-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Kyalami's F1 upgrade approved, circuit owner urges government to act
South Africa is one step closer to hosting a Formula One Grand Prix. The Citizen reports that Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit owner Toby Venter has, however, put a damper on celebrations, citing a lack of commitment from government. Venter yesterday announced that the FIA has approved the proposed upgrades Kyalami requires to host a Formula One race for the first time since 1993. The circuit has been granted a three-year window to comply. He is confident the upgrades, for which the circuit will foot the bill – estimated to be between R90 and R180m – and set to take three months, can be completed before the end of the year. But Venter stopped short of predicting a date for F1's big return, saying that 'government needs to engage with Formula One to make it happen like they do all over the world'. This, according to the Kyalami boss, is something that is required in addition to the bid steering committee set up by Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie, which must consider bids for the F1 race. ALSO READ: Kyalami or Cape Town? Race to host SA F1 Grand Prix revs up Government 'must engage' 'The bid steering committee is doing its work and we can't speak on its behalf. But unfortunately, for this to go forward, government has to engage a Formula One map,' said Venter. 'That has not happened yet. Other countries have taken the lead around the world, where the government has paid a deposit to Formula One management in entering a memorandum of understanding. We are waiting for government to play its part.' Other local bids are expected to come from Cape Town and Wakanda Smart City, while Rwanda has also expressed its intention to be the first to bring F1 back to Africa. 'Kyalami is the most recognisable and event-ready circuit on the African continent. No other circuit on the African continent can lay claim to a fraction of the motorsport history of Kyalami,' added Venter. Rich Kyalami F1 history 'The track hosted 21 Grands Prix from 1967 to 1993. Its list of winners includes Niki Lauda, Alain Prost, Jim Clark and our very own Jody Scheckter.' The 16-corner, 4.529km layout underwent a major revamp after Venter bought it at an auction in 2014. Extensive upgrades ensured Grade 2 status from the FIA, the world's controlling body for motorsport. British-based company Apex Circuit Design was last year tasked with drawing up the plans for upgrades Kyalami needs to achieve the required Grade 1 status to host F1 racing. The grading is determined by the kilogram-to-horsepower ratio. The ratio of F1 cars is the lowest of any motorsport class and therefore requires the highest FIA certification. 'We will not be the roadblock. If the process is held up, it will be something outside our control,' said Clive Bowden, the director and founder of Apex Circuit Design. MotoGP to follow later 'From an engineering point of view, Kyalami requires relevant minor technical alterations to meet the regulations. I'm very confident it can be done within three months without interrupting the track's busy calendar. ALSO READ: Binder: Sleeping at home and racing at Kyalami will be 'sick' 'Turns two and 13 need extended run-off zones. Five, six, seven and 10 also require some work ranging from moving gravel closer and changing the kerbs. 'We have considered hosting MotoGP, but not for the moment. It is considered part of a long-term project.' The F1 calendar for 2026 has already been released without South Africa on it. This means the earliest local motorsport fans can bank on an F1 return is in 2027. The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture was sent questions about its engagement with the FIA.
