Kyalami in pole position for South Africa GP return in 2028
The return of a long-talked-about F1 South Africa GP made major strides this week. The former South Africa GP host circuit, located just North of Johannesburg, has staged no less than 21 F1 races up until its last in 1993.
ADVERTISEMENT
Nevertheless, Formula 1 is plainly keen to complete an expanded calendar. By reintegrating the African continent into its 24-race schedule, which has been missing for 32 years, F1 will truly become a 'world championship' once again …
RETURN OF THE SOUTH AFRICA GP
Government officials and circuit owners have lots to smile about at Kyalami. Image: File
However, many names have been linked with a future African GP. In preceding months this has included Cape Town, Rwanda and even Morocco. Nevertheless, Kyalami currently has FIA Grade 2 status. But this week it had its plans for F1-ready 'Grade 1' certification approved by the FIA.
In a statement by Kyalami GP Circuit owner, Toby Venter, he announced it has: 'Received confirmation that the FIA has accepted final design proposals. This will upgrade the circuit to Grade 1 status, which is the highest international standard required to host Formula 1. As such, once the capital works are completed and a final inspection conducted, Kyalami will become Africa's only FIA Grade 1 circuit, capable of hosting Formula 1 on the African continent,' said Venter.
DEFINING MOMENT FOR SOUTH AFRICA
Formula 1 looked very different when it last raced at Kyalami 32-years ago. Image: File
Furthermore, Venter reiterated at the South Africa GP press conference: 'This is truly a defining moment for South African motorsport. Very little work needs to be done to achieve the Grade 1 rubber-stamp for Kyalami. I would describe it as a light-touch upgrade,' said Venter.
ADVERTISEMENT
'Likewise, the FIA has given Kyalami three years (2028) to complete the upgrades for a South Africa GP return. Today, we turn the page to a bold new chapter for Kyalami and South Africa. We are ready for the return of Formula 1 and the South Africa GP,' Venter concluded – with GMM
ARE YOU EXCITED TO SEE THE SOUTH AFRICA GP RETURN?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
29 minutes ago
- The South African
Cristiano Ronaldo tribute to team-mate Diogo Jota goes viral in SECONDS
Superstar Cristiano Ronaldo posted an emotional tribute to his Portugal team-mate Diogo Jota which went viral in mere seconds on Thursday. Jota, along with his brother Andre, were tragically killed in a car accident in Spain. Ronaldo took to his social media accounts to write: 'Doesn't make any sense. Just now we were together in the National Team, just now you were married. To your family, to your wife and children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. R.I.P. Diogo and Andre We will all miss you.' Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota and his brother died in a car crash in northwestern Spain on Thursday, police said, weeks after the star got married. The Civil Guard said a vehicle veered off a motorway and burst into flames shortly after midnight in the municipality of Cernadilla in the province of Zamora, confirming the deaths of Jota, 28, and his brother Andre. 'Everything points to the blowout of a tyre while it (the vehicle) was overtaking,' the Civil Guard said in a statement. Portuguese football federation president Pedro Proenca wrote on social media that he was 'devastated', calling Jota 'an extraordinary person, respected by all his colleagues and opponents, someone blessed with an infectious joy and a reference for his own community'. Proenca said they had asked UEFA for a minute's silence before Portugal's Women's Euro 2025 match against Spain in Switzerland on Thursday. 'We have lost two champions. The death of Diogo and Andre Silva are irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything possible to honour their legacy every day,' Proenca added. Diogo Jota had married his partner Rute Cardoso on June 22, posting a video of their wedding on Instagram just hours before the accident. They had three children. The former Atletico Madrid, Porto and Wolverhampton Wanderers star scored nine goals in all competitions last season as Liverpool cruised to their 20th Premier League title. This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version. Post your condolences below, by … Leaving a comment below, or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
42 minutes ago
- The South African
Confirmed: Who will sing the national anthem before Springbok game
The Springboks' 2025 Test season has finally arrived, and with it comes the customary interest around who will have the honour of singing the national anthem prior to the highly-anticipated international fixtures. This Saturday will see the Springboks kick off their 2025 Test campaign against Italy at a packed out Loftus, and The South African has learned that the national anthem this weekend will be sung by Bernice West. The Afrikaans singer-songwriter from Swartruggens, North West Province, released her first single in 2020, having rose to fame as the runner-up of the TV music reality series 'Maak My Famous' on kykNET . She also participated in the Bohemian Rhapsody music video by Hoërskool Rustenburg choir, and the talented 24-year-old – who has released three albums in the last five years – has now been entrusted with the role of singing the SA anthem this Saturday. You can listen to some of her music here Sinesipho Mnyango, a passionate and talented lyrical soprano, will take on the duties of singing the Italy anthem. Hailing from King Williams Town, she developed a love for music at an early age and studied at the SA College of Music at UCT, and recently obtained an Advanced Performers Diploma in Music – specialising in opera – from the University of Cape Town. Mnyango has participated in numerous local productions, and performed abroad in Argentina and Switzerland. This Saturday's Test between the Springboks and Italy will kick off at 17:10, with Loftus stadium expected to be close to capacity. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
Sundowns, Chiefs or Pirates? Mailula responds: 'I love Sundowns'
Former Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Cassius Mailula has responded to questions as to whether he would consider returning to the PSL. Mailula is currently on the books for US-based outfit Toronto FC who he joined from Sundowns over a year ago. However, the young attacker was loaned out to Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club to get more game time. He shone for Wydad at the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup where he even scored but his efforts were not enough as they crashed out in the group stage. Now, it's back to reality for Mailula after leaving Wydad as he heads back to Toronto FC where he is not guaranteed game time. In an interview with Andile Ncube on Metro FM, Mailula admitted that he still has the ambition to play abroad, and eventually in a bigger European league. And asked whether or not coming back to the PSL is a possibility, the 24-year-old said, for now his focus is on playing abroad. But should there be an opportunity to return home, Mailula would consider it provided the offer is right. A move to either Orlando Pirates or Kaizer Chiefs a possibility? Mailula was clear that his heart will always be with Sundowns if he were to return to the PSL. Mamelodi Sundowns looking to re-sign Cassius Mailula? Image: iDiski Times 'I love Sundowns… I love Sundowns, Sundowns is home,' Mailula responded. 'I think even the president and the chairman knows, that is my first love. Before I can think of other things or teams, I'll obviously start with Sundowns. 'And after that, if things don't go well in terms of negotiations then I can think of other things. But for me, Sundowns is my home,' he added. Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
