The reported date for South African F1 GP at Kyalami revealed by Minister

The South African F1 GP has taken a step closer towards becoming a reality as Gayton McKenzie, the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture of South Africa, has revealed some details about the potential running of the event. He mentioned that he would be appointing a new promoter for the F1 Grand Prix and with the aim of bringing back the race by 2027.

F1 held its last race in South Africa in 1993. While the Kyalami circuit hosts other races, the pinnacle of motorsport has been missing despite the very competitive layout that was loved by fans back in the day. It was speculated that logistical difficulties and costs led to the cancelation of the race after the 1993 season.

However, McKenzie has hinted towards the plans for a potential return of the South African F1 GP. He revealed that he would appoint a new promoter and they are willing to put money into reworking the Kyalami circuit to match the standards for Formula 1.

"Where we are at the moment, and it's the first time people hear this, we are going to announce a committee next week. The committee will then choose which promoter will promote F1, it’s going to happen. The South African F1 Grand Prix will take place at Kyalami."

"Kyalami is doing what they need to do. Toby Venter and Willie Venter are doing a great job bringing Kyalami to F1 standards. They have put money in that, it is there."

He claimed that the race would happen as 'Apex' is financing the upgrades at the circuit.

"They have the company, I think Apex, that is doing the track [upgrades] so it can be up to F1 standards. I think we're looking at 2027. We were there, it's going to happen, it's coming here."

The return of the South African F1 GP has been speculated many times in the past, however, even with the plans in place, they have mostly failed. It will be interesting to see how McKenzie's plans proceed in the coming months and years.

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South African F1 GP: Some interesting facts about the track and F1

F1 raced in South Africa for the first time in 1962, however, that was on a different circuit. Kyalami was built in the early 1960s and Formula 1 took on its asphalt in 1967. Mexican driver Pedro Rodríguez took the first victory on the circuit.

F1 stopped racing in South Africa after 1985 because of the apartheid and planned to not return until the issue was solved. After the end of apartheid in 1991, F1 returned for the final two South African F1 GP that were held in 1992 and 1993.

The 1993 race saw Alain Prost claim pole position with a time of 1:15.696 in his Williams. He also won the race with a margin of over a minute over Ayrton Senna in the McLaren. The two were joined on the podium by Mark Blundell in his Ligier.

Alain Prost also had the fastest lap of the race at 1:19.492.