Although South Africa has not hosted a F1 race since 1993, the revamped Kyalami racecourse is on its way to being compliant with Formula 1 standards.

Having gone through extensive improvements to bring it up to standard, the redesign and update of the now 4.5 km circuit includes significant upgrades and safety features.

Andrew Baldwin, the group property manager for Porsche SA and Kyalami, had a few words to say:

We have a track which is close to being compliant for F1.

There are a couple of areas which maybe would have to be changed.

We have engaged with [FIA race director] Charlie Whiting from an approval point of view. He came to see us last year.

We’re working towards FIA grade 2 accreditation, which means everything except F1. We can do F1 testing here.

We have gone all out on the safety features, including upgrading the guardrails, all debris fencing and all the gravel traps.

So in terms of safety, we have a very compliant racetrack and when we’re finished, we’ll get Charlie back and maybe we’ll talk to him then.

However, a return of F1 is not on the agenda considering the amount of funding that would be required:

The challenge is the business model, in terms of finding the money to bring F1 to South Africa.

I can’t see it at the moment, but never say never. We’d love to see F1 back in Kyalami.

We would need government support. It’s the only way, as proven in other countries.

They are aware what we’re doing, but I can’t say we’ve had any formal discussions.

Maybe one day Formula 1 will once again grace our shores, but until then we have to aspire to visit other countries to hear that repetitive vroom of the passing engine.

[source: autosport]

[imagesource: lebinc]