South Africa Seeks to Host First African Formula One Grand Prix in 30 Years

South Africa aims to host its first Formula One Grand Prix in 30 years, competing between Cape Town and Kyalami for selection. Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie believes the race will return by 2027, while support from Lewis Hamilton underscores the desire for more African representation. Rwanda also vies for the event, emphasizing the continent’s increasing ambition in sports publishing.

South Africa is making a bid to host a Formula One Grand Prix, 30 years after the last race occurred on the continent. The competition is primarily between two venues: a street circuit in Cape Town and the historic Kyalami race track near Johannesburg. A committee established by Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie will select the winning location by the end of the year, with McKenzie expressing confidence that the Grand Prix will return to South Africa in 2027, regardless of the venue.

The Kyalami circuit, which has a rich history of thrilling races, was the site of the last Grand Prix in 1993, won by Alain Prost. The event occurred just before South Africa’s transition into a democratic regime, symbolizing a significant historical point for the country. In contrast, Cape Town’s proposed street circuit has recently gained recognition, having been listed as the “best city in the world” by Time Out magazine.

Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, advocates for the return of Formula One to Africa, stating, “We cannot be adding races in other locations and continuing to ignore Africa.” Under Liberty Media’s leadership, there is a desire to expand Formula One to every continent, including Africa, which has not hosted a race since the end of apartheid.

Both Kyalami and Cape Town are vying for the opportunity to host the Grand Prix; however, Rwanda has also emerged as a potential competitor. The central African nation has been proactive in establishing its presence in global sports, partnering with organizations such as the NBA and sponsoring prominent football clubs. Nonetheless, obstacles such as Rwanda’s involvement in regional conflicts may hinder its F1 ambitions.

Ultimately, the possibility of hosting two Grand Prix events in Africa remains open, as the Sports Minister questions why the continent should be limited to just one venue. As the F1 calendar grows, the financial implications for hosting a race do not deter countries from pursuing the grand prize due to the strategic benefits they anticipate from exposure on such a prominent platform.

South Africa is actively pursuing the return of Formula One racing after a three-decade absence, with Cape Town and Kyalami as competing venues. Supported by prominent figures like Lewis Hamilton, the bid highlights the importance of African representation in the global racing scene. Additionally, the emergence of Rwanda as a competitor for hosting rights underscores the continent’s growing ambition in international sports. Ultimately, the decision on the host city is expected by the year’s end, fostering optimism for a revitalized F1 presence in Africa after years of neglect.

Original Source: www.france24.com