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Kyalami owner: 'South African Grand Prix a realistic possibility'

Kyalami owner: 'South African Grand Prix a realistic possibility'

21-05-2019 17:55
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Jake Williams-Smith

A return to Kyalami for a South African Grand Prix is a possibility according to the owner of the circuit.

Toby Venter, CEO of Porsche South Africa, is reportedly interested in renovating the Kyalami circuit in order to bring it up to FIA grade one status and Formula 1 standards

According to Autosport, Venter is aiming to facilitate the return of Formula 1 to the Kyalami circuit however would not be party to organising the return but would rather a separate party take over promoting the event.

A statement released by the company to Autosport says they are committed to the return of Formula 1 to the country.

"We support all efforts and remain committed to hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix at Kyalami," a spokesperson for the company said.

The last South African Grand Prix took place in 1993, with Alain Prost taking victory from his great rival Ayrton Senna by over a minute with Mark Blundell rounding out the podium a lap down in third position.

Rumours of a return to South Africa have been bubbling for some time, with Formula 1 reportedly keen to return to the African continent for a championship round.

Last year, Motorsport South Africa boss Adrian Scholtz told The South African that a return was actively being pursued but economic issues were likely to be a tough factor to overcome.

"We have people here in South Africa capable of organizing and promoting the event, but the other two issues will likely prove more challenging in view of the prevailing economic and political climate in South Africa at the present time."

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