South Africa is poised to return to the Formula 1 calendar next season, thus ending what would be a 30-year hiatus. Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali will be meeting with Kyalami officials today in order to hold talks designed to put an end the South Africa’s long wait to again host a Formula 1 race.
For the moment no deal has been reached, but Stefano Domenicali is confident the positive talks will continue and the South African Grand Prix will return on the calendar for the 2023 Formula 1 season.
In an interview which took place a few weeks ago, former Ferrari boss Stefano Domenicali confirmed at that moment his goal for a Grand Prix in what is uncharted territory for Liberty Media.
“We have two options for a new race, and the most likely to hopefully happen soon is South Africa,” Stefano Domenicali explained – “It’s part of our agenda, and there is a commitment to see if this could be on the calendar as soon as possible.” – he added.
The 4.529 km-long Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit is located in Midrand, Gauteng, South Africa, just north of Johannesburg. The track has been used for Grand Prix and Formula One races and has hosted the South African Grand Prix many times, from 1967 to 1985, and again in 1992 and 1993. Among the Formula One races held at the track the 1977 South African Grand Prix stands out, as it is principally remembered for the fatal accident that claimed the lives of race marshal Frederick Jansen van Vuuren and driver Tom Pryce
With new events such as South Africa and Las Vegas which are expected for 2023, Formula 1 would hit its target of 24 grands prix for the championship, as stated under the Concorde Agreement.
Formula 1 is currently working through the details of a draft calendar that should be published in August, during the summer break. The single big unknown is related to China’s return, given the fact that the country is still facing ongoing coronavirus issues and strict protocols are currently in place.
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