South Africa Pursues First African F1 Grand Prix in 30 Years

South Africa is competing to host a Formula One Grand Prix for the first time in 30 years, with Kyalami and Cape Town as candidates. The decision, anticipated in late 2023, is backed by confidence from sports minister Gayton McKenzie. The return of F1 to Africa garners support, including from Lewis Hamilton, while Rwanda also vies for hosting rights, indicating a competitive landscape for the event.

South Africa is making a bid to host a Formula One Grand Prix for the first time in 30 years, with competition between a proposed street circuit in Cape Town and the historic Kyalami race track near Johannesburg. A committee, led by sports minister Gayton McKenzie, is expected to decide the winning bid in the third quarter of the year, with McKenzie expressing confidence in the event taking place in 2027, regardless of location.

Kyalami, known for its challenging layout and decorated with a large South African flag, previously hosted memorable races but has not seen F1 since 1993. Notably, Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, supports the return of F1 to Africa, advocating for inclusivity in the racing calendar, especially for the African continent.

Experts note that the overall expansion of the F1 calendar allows for additional races, suggesting that the return of South Africa might not require exclusion of other venues. With significant investments in sports, countries like China have collaborated with Africa, viewing F1 as a strategic opportunity rather than merely a commercial endeavor.

The Cape Town bid features a circuit that has already hosted a Formula E race and is lauded for its stunning views, with Cape Town Grand Prix’s CEO asserting it could rival the glamour of Monaco. Nevertheless, competition extends beyond South Africa to Rwanda, which has demonstrated ambitions to host an F1 event and has engaged with F1 officials, signaling a potential rivalry for the hosting rights.

While Rwanda appears positioned to make a strong bid, its ongoing regional conflicts might pose challenges. Nevertheless, the South African sports minister raises an important inquiry about the potential for multiple Grand Prix events on the continent, suggesting that Africa deserves multiple opportunities within the F1 calendar.

The bid for an African Formula One Grand Prix by South Africa underscores the continent’s aspirations to host the prestigious event, rejuvenating its racing legacy after decades. With both South Africa and Rwanda positioning themselves competitively, the outcome remains uncertain yet promising. The sports minister’s call for inclusivity in F1 speaks to a broader vision for Greater African representation in the international sporting arena.

Original Source: www.france24.com