South Africa’s Formula One Bid: Reviving Motorsport on the Continent
South Africa is aiming to bring Formula One back to the continent after 32 years. Competing locations are Cape Town’s street circuit and Johannesburg’s Kyalami track. A decision is expected in 2027, with strong backing from Lewis Hamilton. The competition also includes Rwanda, which seeks to establish its own F1 presence. The bid signifies a revival of the sport in a region with historical significance in F1.
In an exciting development for motorsport fans, South Africa is making a strong bid to host its first Formula One Grand Prix in 32 years. The competition for this prestigious event is primarily between two locations: a street circuit in Cape Town and the historic Kyalami race track located just outside Johannesburg. This move aims to reinvigorate the F1 presence on the African continent.
A specially formed committee, appointed by South African Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, will be responsible for selecting the venue for the Grand Prix. According to committee member Mlimandlela Ndamase, the decision is expected to be made in the third quarter of the year. Minister McKenzie expressed strong confidence in the bid, asserting that, “The Grand Prix is definitely coming in 2027, no doubt about that.”
The last time Formula One raced in Africa was in 1993, with Alain Prost winning the Grand Prix in South Africa on the eve of the country’s transition to democracy. Since then, the demand for an African race has increased, underscored by the support from Lewis Hamilton, who remarked, “We can’t be adding races in other locations and continuing to ignore Africa.”
Expert Samuel Tickell from the University of Munster noted the significance of returning to South Africa, calling it an important step for Formula One as it has not raced there since the apartheid era ended. Historically, South Africa has played host to notable moments in F1, including Jody Scheckter becoming the continent’s only world champion in 1979.
The feasibility of hosting an F1 race in South Africa appears promising, as the F1 calendar continues to expand. Simon Chadwick, an expert in sport economics, emphasized that high organizational costs should not deter hosting, as countries may prioritize strategic benefits over direct commercial viability. Kyalami currently has a Grade 2 certification, needing some updates for an F1 event, while the Cape Town street circuit has hosted Formula E races.
A Cape Town street circuit, championed by CEO Igshaan Amlay, has high aspirations, claiming it could “outclass Monaco”. However, the competition extends beyond local cities, with Rwanda also vying for an F1 race, demonstrated by President Kagame’s engagement with F1 stakeholders. Morocco has similar ambitions, although the presence of multiple races on the continent is possible, prompting South African representatives to question why Africa should only host a single event. There is speculation that Rwanda’s geopolitical challenges may hinder its bid, marking this regional competition as a dynamic narrative going forward.
In conclusion, South Africa’s bid to host the Formula One Grand Prix highlights a significant opportunity for the return of F1 to the African continent after 32 years. The competition primarily underscores the rivalry between Cape Town and Kyalami, along with potential contenders like Rwanda. With support from figures such as Lewis Hamilton and strategic benefits proposed, the outcome of this bid will be pivotal for motorsport’s presence in Africa moving forward.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
