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South Africa’s bid to host a Formula 1 grand prix as soon as 2026 has moved a step forward, with the government opening up an expression of interest from potential hosts.
On Friday, the department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC)’s Formula 1 Bid Steering Committee published a document calling on potential venues to put their plans forward so the best one could be picked.
In the document, a copy of which has been seen by The Race, the committee said it hoped the process would help it secure the venue that would potentially host an F1 race for a period of 10 years from either 2026 or 2027.
It said: “A suitable promoter and/or venue (circuit facility) and host city will be chosen to submit a bid to the FIA and Formula 1 for consideration with the necessary approvals and support from the DSAC.”
Although the former home of the South African GP in Kyalami has emerged as a clear favourite to be picked, the expression of interest is opened up to any venue that deems itself suitable.
There has been speculation that Cape Town could also be in the running.
In the criteria laid down in the document for potential promoters it demands that the race is held at an ‘iconic destination location’, and that the circuit is within 30 minutes of a major city.
It adds: “[The] surrounding environment must contribute to the look and feel of a premier international event and/or provide an iconic backdrop.”
A further demand is that the: “track must be conducive to driving an exciting racing spectacle, allowing for wheel to-wheel racing and provide multiple overtaking opportunities.”
While previous attempts to relaunch the South African GP, which last took place in 1993, have not been successful, the latest effort appears to have some momentum behind it.
At a press conference at Kyalami last December, minister of sport, arts and culture Gayton McKenzie emphasised the country’s eagerness to secure the event, with talks having taken place with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.
He said at the time that he felt the best plan was for the race to take place at Kyalami.
"The race is going to happen at Kyalami,” McKenzie later told Supersport. “Kyalami is doing what they need to do. [Circuit bosses] Toby Venter and Willie Venter are doing a great job bringing Kyalami to F1 standards. They have put money in there, it is there.
"They have met with Apex, that is doing the track to bring it to F1 standards. We are making sure that we are going to host, so I think we are looking at 2027. We were there, it’s going to happen. It’s coming here."
The F1 bid committee has laid down a January 31 deadline for expressions of interest to be put forward, with a shortlist of candidates to be whittled down just five days afterwards.
