[imagesource:here]

For now, at least, a 2023 Formula One race at Kyalami Circuit remains the stuff of rumours.

F1 ‘insiders’ took to social media earlier in the week to say that our spot in the racing calendar next year is confirmed, based on their information that F1 and DHL signed a five-year contract to ship all goods and cargo to South Africa.

Sasha Martinengo, a leading voice in South Africa’s F1 scene, also stated that the news comes from a “pretty reliable source”. He did clarify this point the following day:

So, let me debunk the rumour with DHL. DHL are the official partners of F1 gear worldwide so it makes sense that they are obligated to deliver F1 equipment to South Africa if we get a return to the calendar. DHL might well become the title sponsor but nothing is confirmed.

— F1sasha (@F1sasha) July 12, 2022

Nothing remains confirmed and the wait goes on.

DHL also responded to the rumours directly, according to Sport24:

DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa vice-president of marketing, Megan Collinicos, told Sport24: “DHL is the official logistics partner of Formula 1 globally. The 2023 calendar has not been published yet, and speculation around the race is just that.”

Of course, when Brad Binder spoke at a publicity event at Kyalami yesterday, he was asked about the rumours. The Citizen reports:

“I believe it isn’t a done deal yet. But once it is finalised, I will definitely be here,” said Binder, who is taking a week off in South Africa during MotoGP’s five-week summer break.

“It will be incredible for the country. And further than that, for Kyalami itself and the whole of the racing community. Motor racing is huge in South Africa.”

The two-time MotoGP race winner and 2016 Moto3 world champion added he “would like nothing more than a home Grand Prix” on the motorcycling circuit.

He deserves it, too, after rising to the very top of a sport that often flies under the radar recognition-wise in this country. In 2004, when South Africa last hosted a MotoGP race, Binder was eight.

After racing the track yesterday, Binder said that in order to host a MotoGP he thinks the Kyalami track would only require minor modifications like tweaking some of the run-off areas.

“It is not something that only affects Kyalami, but many other tracks. MotoGP is getting faster all the time and the FIA is constantly making sure that the tracks can keep up.”

It’s been a busy few weeks of putting out statements for motorsport officials in South Africa. Yesterday was no different, reports Business Day:

Motorsport SA chair Anton Roux on Wednesday confirmed an F1 deal had not been finalised yet, adding that all parties were keen to get the championship back to Kyalami.

“No agreements have been signed yet,” he said.

That’s fine, we can wait.

It’s been 29 years since we last hosted a Grand Prix, Without getting too ahead of ourselves, ensuring somebody dots the i’s and crosses the t’s before anything is officially announced is prudent.

At least we still have our collective sense of humour intact:

*lights go off at the Kyalami GP*

F1 commentators: “It’s lights out and away we go.”

Eskom: “No, it’s just load shedding.”

— trent’s stekkie (@tee_lfc_) July 13, 2022

Sergio Perez after hitting a pothole on the 3rd Chicane.
Kyalami pic.twitter.com/97DrUmYkhH

— Sesethu Time (@time_sesethu) July 13, 2022

Safety Car for Kyalami has been announced: pic.twitter.com/xHxIhqvts6

— Mohammad Faizan Ismail 🇵🇸 (@moemicky18) July 13, 2022

[sources:citizen&busday&sport24]