South Africa’s Ambitious Bid for the First African F1 Grand Prix in 30 Years
South Africa is pursuing the opportunity to host its first Formula One Grand Prix in 30 years, competing with a street circuit in Cape Town and Kyalami racetrack. The decision is expected later this year and has the support of notable figures like Lewis Hamilton. However, Rwanda and Morocco are also interested in hosting, highlighting Africa’s potential for multiple Grand Prix events.
Midrand, South Africa – After an absence of thirty years, South Africa is fervently pursuing the opportunity to host a new Formula One Grand Prix, aiming to resurrect the championship’s presence on the African continent. The competition for hosting rights is between a street circuit in Cape Town and the historic Kyalami race track located outside Johannesburg. Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie established a committee to evaluate the bids, with a decision anticipated in the third quarter of the year.
Minister McKenzie expressed confidence regarding the prospective Grand Prix, stating, “The Grand Prix is definitely coming in 2027, no doubt about that… We do not care as long as the Grand Prix is coming to South Africa.” The Kyalami circuit, renowned for its challenging layout and rich racing history, last held a Grand Prix in 1993, which was ultimately won by Alain Prost.
The drive to organize an F1 race in South Africa has garnered robust support from seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who believes that Africa deserves consideration in the expansion of the racing calendar. Expert Samuel Tickell remarked that bringing the championship back to South Africa would be significant, noting its historical context and the memorable races that have transpired there.
Setting up an African Grand Prix would not necessitate the removal of existing venues from the calendar, a perspective supported by trends in the sport’s expansion since 2009. Even in economically challenging scenarios, hosting a Grand Prix can yield strategic benefits for nations, according to Simon Chadwick, a professor of sport and geopolitical economics.
Rwanda has emerged as a competitor for hosting rights alongside South Africa, with President Paul Kagame actively engaging with Formula One’s governing body during recent Grand Prix events. Additionally, Morocco harbors ambitions to host an F1 race. The feasibility of having multiple events on the continent was raised by the South African sports minister, questioning the rationale behind limiting Africa to a single Grand Prix. However, Rwanda’s bid may be complicated by its political context.
In summary, South Africa is ambitiously bidding to host a Formula One Grand Prix for the first time in thirty years, with key contenders being Cape Town and Kyalami. The endeavor enjoys support from prominent figures like Lewis Hamilton and reflects broader aspirations for F1’s presence in Africa. The competition with Rwanda and Morocco heightens the stakes, underscoring the continent’s potential to host more than one Grand Prix.
Original Source: www.france24.com
