Latest news with #TobyVenter
IOL News
23-06-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
Cape Town Grand Prix 'frustrated' with F1 bidding flaws
The Kyalami Grand Prix circuit is about to undergo a metamorphosis as it gears up to become FIA Grade 1 compliant. Image: F1 While the news of Kyalami Grand Prix circuit getting the thumbs up for its upgrade delighted many, including the minister of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, the F1 bid steering committee had to clarify that they are still evaluating the bids received, and not all have been happy with the process. Kyalami circuit owner Toby Venter on Wednesday said between $5 and $10 million will be spent over the next three years to ensure that the circuit is the only Formula 1-compliant track on the continent. Grade 1 status is the highest international standard required by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) to host Formula 1. Kyalami's Grade 1 plans were approved by the FIA, meaning they were given the green light to upgrade their track to the highest possible standards in motorsport. The 4.5km surface holds a Grade 2 licence. It is estimated that the upgrades will cost between R100 million and R180m. On the back of the announcement, the F1 Bid Steering Committee (BSC) said they have noted recent announcements and called the development 'encouraging' and said it 'bodes well for the country's bid to host a Formula 1 race in future'. 'Whilst the committee believes this is positive news for South Africa and motorsport in our country, it wishes to clarify that the above announcement and development is entirely independent from the work of the committee. 'The committee remains seized with the evaluation and adjudication of proposals received for the staging and promotion of an F1 Race in South Africa,' they said. 'In the near future, the committee will make an announcement on the outcomes of this process along with the preferred promoter for the country.' Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit has received confirmation that the FIA has accepted final design proposals to upgrade the circuit to Grade 1 status. Image: Supplied When asked if this means that Cape Town's bid is not being considered, all that BSC spokesperson Prince Mlimandlela Ndamase said: 'The committee is finalising its report to the minister and should have it submitted in the next week. The report will provide an outcome on the process undertaken and the three bids received.' One of the three bids came from Cape Town Grand Prix, where CEO Igshaan Amlay has expressed his frustration and concern with the process, stating that he had already been notified two weeks ago that his bid was unsuccessful. 'They lied to the media, because Cape Town Grand Prix sees this whole process as a flawed process, because firstly, nowhere in South Africa in the new democracy, has there been a request that you have to pay R10 million rand to bid to bring an event to the country.' Amlay was referring to the R10 million referenced in the Request for Expression of Interest ('RFEOI') document, which states that 'Interested parties/potential promoters will be required to make payment of a refundable deposit into the Sec. 86(4) trust account of attorneys appointed by and representing the BSC, to the value of R10 million". Amlay said: 'When we asked them what the R10 million is for, they said it's refundable, but they couldn't tell us when you're getting it back.' Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel. Cape Argus
IOL News
22-06-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
While Kyalami Grand Prix circuit news gets cheers, the SA F1 committee is still evaluating bids
Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit has received confirmation that the FIA has accepted final design proposals to upgrade the circuit to Grade 1 status. Image: Supplied While the news of Kyalami Grand Prix circuit getting the thumbs up for its upgrade delighted many, including the minister of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, the F1 bid steering committee had to clarify that they are still evaluating the bids received, and not all have been happy with the process. On Wednesday, Kyalami circuit owner Toby Venter said between $5 and $10 million will be spent over the next three years to ensure that the circuit is the only Formula 1-compliant track on the continent. Grade 1 status is the highest international standard required by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) to host Formula 1. Kyalami's Grade 1 plans were approved by the FIA, meaning they were given the green light to upgrade their track to the highest possible standards in motorsport. The 4.5km surface holds a Grade 2 licence. It is estimated that the upgrades will cost between R100 million and R180m. '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 FIA's acceptance of our Grade 1 design is a major step forward in that journey,' Venter said on Wednesday. On the back of the announcement, the F1 Bid Steering Committee (BSC) said that they have noted recent announcements and called the development 'encouraging' and said it 'bodes well for the country's bid to host a Formula 1 race in future'. 'Whilst the committee believes this is positive news for South Africa and motorsport in our country, it wishes to clarify that the above announcement and development is entirely independent from the work of the committee. 'The committee remains seized with the evaluation and adjudication of proposals received for the staging and promotion of an F1 Race in South Africa,' they said. 'In the near future, the committee will make an announcement on the outcomes of this process along with the preferred promoter for the country.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Minister of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, on Friday, posted that a few months ago he informed the owner of Kyalami race track that 'government wouldn't be in a position to assist financially with renovations at the track'. 'He gave me his word that his group would pay for it and see the whole process through. I salute you, Tobie Venter.' When asked if this means that Cape Town's bid is not being considered, all that BSC spokesperson Prince Mlimandlela Ndamase said on Sunday was: 'The committee is finalising its report to the minister and should have it submitted in the next week. 'The report will provide an outcome on the process undertaken and the three bids received.' One of the three bids came from Cape Town Grand Prix, where CEO Igshaan Amlay has expressed his frustration and concern with the process, stating that he had already been notified two weeks ago that his bid was unsuccessful. 'They lied to the media, because Cape Town Grand Prix, sees this whole process as a flawed process, because firstly, nowhere in South Africa in the new democracy, has there been a request that you have to pay R10 million rand to bid to bring an event to the country.' Amlay was referring to the R10 million referenced in the Request for Expression of Interest ('RFEOI') document, which states that 'Interested parties/potential promoters will be required to make payment of a refundable deposit into the Sec. 86(4) trust account of attorneys appointed by and representing the BSC, to the value of R10 million. 'In the event that an interested party is unsuccessful in the EOI stage and is not selected to move forward into the closed RFP process, the deposit will be refunded with relevant interest accrued.' Amlay said: 'When we asked them what the R10 million is for, they said it's refundable, but they couldn't tell us when you're getting it back.' He said that they went back to them with a promissory note, but they were informed that the money had to be delivered in cash, and that they couldn't accept a promissory note.
The South African
20-06-2025
- Automotive
- The South African
Kyalami in pole position for South Africa GP return in 2028
The FIA has given Kyalami three years to complete upgrades to host a South Africa GP in 2028. Image: File 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.
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.
NDTV
18-06-2025
- Automotive
- NDTV
South Africa Moves Closer To Hosting Formula One Race
Toby Venter, owner of the Kyalami Grand Prix circuit near Johannesburg, said on Wednesday that plans to upgrade the track to Formula One standards had been approved by the controlling body. He told reporters the venue that last hosted a F1 race in 1993 had been given the green light by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) to implement design proposals. "Today, we turn the page to a bold new chapter for Kyalami. We are ready for the return of Formula One to African soil," said Venter. "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 Africa. "The acceptance by the FIA of our grade one design is a major step forward in that journey," added Venter, an importer of luxury vehicles. Kyalami and Cape Town in South Africa, Rwanda and Morocco have expressed interest in bringing F1 racing back to Africa. The British company charged with doing the upgrades said they were "minor", and could be completed within three months. FIA has given Kyalami a three-year deadline for completion. Upgrades, which will not change the 4.5 kilometre (2.8 miles) circuit layout, include enhancing run-off areas and barriers. "The proposed FIA grade one upgrade focuses on enhancing run-off areas, barrier systems, debris fencing, kerbs, and drainage," a company spokesman said. "This is a light-touch upgrade in engineering terms, but one that enhances the already excellent circuit standards to meet modern grade one requirements." More spectator zones and grandstands have also been earmarked as part of a bigger upgrade, leaving Kyalami as the only grade one certified venue in Africa. Kyalami has hosted 21 F1 Grands Prix, the last in 1993 won by Alain Prost for Williams. The annual event was discontinued because it proved too costly for the then owners to host.
