Excitement builds around F1's possible move to SA as Kyalami plots compliancy upgrades

News about South Africa's impending return to the Formula 1 calendar has been heightened following a report in The Telegraaf this week that the country has been added to next year's schedule.

The possibility of South Africa being added to the 2023 calendar has been met with excitement from a passionate support base in the country, and Kyalami would no doubt be packed for the entire weekend should it happen, but there has still been no official confirmation from Formula One.

If the race was to happen, there are still a few boxes for the track and its owner Toby Venter to tick. 

While the background talks are ongoing, the Kyalami Management team is working hard to prepare the world-class facility to be F1-ready.

As it stands, the circuit is an FIA-accredited Grade 2 venue, but must bring about amendments to acquire Grade 1 status, making it F1 compliant.

A spokesperson for the Kyalami Circuit confirmed to Sport24: "To date, no Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit upgrades have commenced. As soon as details are clear, a statement will be issued to inform interested parties about matters relating to a Formula 1 event at Kyalami."

The Telegraaf reports that Belgium and France could be omitted next year, leaving room for the Kyalami Circuit to host the South African Grand Prix for the first time since 1993.

It is understood that the 2023 F1 season could feature as many as 24 races, depending on China's readiness to host a race again in a post-Covid-19 world. Las Vegas will also debut next year, bringing the number of races in the USA to three. Texas and Miami host the other two events.

The 2023 F1 season is claimed to start on 5 March to accommodate the extensive calendar - the biggest in the sport's 73-year history.

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