FIA Approves Grade 1 Plans for Historic South African Circuit
Constructed in 1961, the original Kyalami circuit established itself as the premier motorsport facility in Southern Africa. The pleasant summer climate made Kyalami a favourite destination for European competitors unable to compete on their home soil owing to the winter off-season.
By the mid-1970s Kyalami had gained recognition as one of the best Grand Prix circuits in the world, hosting a total of 21 F1 Grand Prix races. The Kyalami 9-Hour became a favourite race in the sports car world championship. Moto GP also visited Kyalami from 1983 to 1985. These events gained world-wide coverage, not only for the circuit but for South Africa as a country.
The current 4.522km layout, upgraded in 2016, already holds FIA Grade 2 certification and the Kyalami precinct has proven itself as a successful, self-sustaining venue with year-round commercial activity. The facility’s multi-use functionality—conferences, shows, exhibitions, activations, lifestyle events—remains central to its commercial model.
Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit is now poised to take the next step in the evolution of the track, having received confirmation that the Federation International de l'Automobile (FIA) has accepted final design proposals to upgrade the circuit to Grade 1 status—the highest international standard required to host Formula 1.
The FIA’s written acceptance of the amended design marks a significant achievement. 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.
At a press conference held at Kyalami, Circuit Owner Toby Venter and Clive Bowen, Founder and Director of UK-based Apex Circuit Design, detailed a plan which has been ongoing for five years, culminating in FIA approval of the venue’s upgrade design. Apex, an internationally recognised circuit design house also steered the design of, amongst others, the Miami Formula 1 street circuit.
“This is a defining moment for South African motorsport,” 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 the African continent. The FIA’s acceptance of our Grade 1 design is a major step forward in that journey.”
The proposed FIA Grade 1 upgrade—which notably requires no change to the circuit layout—focuses on enhancing run-off areas, barrier systems, debris fencing, kerbs, and drainage. “This is a light-touch upgrade in engineering terms, but one that enhances the already excellent circuit standards to meet modern Grade 1 requirements,” said Bowen.
The FIA plan approval grants Kyalami a three-year period to complete the intended Grade 1 upgrades. Initially, works will commence during periods when current business partners face no disruption to their event. Selected works will be actioned pending the successful outcome of South Africa’s place on the Formula 1 calendar and Kyalami being selected as the preferred hosting venue.
The Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit & International Convention Centre stands proud as Africa’s most iconic motorsport venue, and the preferred destination for a variety of events in the expanding metropolis between Johannesburg and Pretoria.
“Today, we turn the page to a bold new chapter for Kyalami. We are ready for the return of Formula 1 to African soil,” concluded Venter.
