South Africa’s F1 dream dims as Kyalami Circuit fails to reach agreement despite deadline drawing close, Spa hopes flourish
Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit is yet to reach an agreement with F1 for the South African GP even though the deadline is not even a month away.
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Ever since the news broke that the 2023 calendar would have a record-breaking number of races, fans had hoped that the F1 circus would finally visit South Africa for racing at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit. In fact, some internet sleuths had even reported that F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali was seen boarding a jet to South Africa, and they confirmed that he would be having talks with the circuit authority regarding a future Grand Prix. Unfortunately, the deal between the motorsports franchise and the Kyalami Circuit could not be finalised, and fans were shocked to see that the track was missing from this year’s schedule.
The current situation is that the Spa-Francorchamps Circuit might exit the F1 calendar to the protest of many fans, and Kyalami might take its place. But even that seems to be a far cry now because the circuit owners have still not finalized a deal, although the deadline is drawing closer now. Previously, the F1 authorities had said they would have to agree upon a contract with the Kyalami Circuit by April 30, but the deadline got dragged further to May 31.
With the delay in signing the contract, it has become clear that Kyalami will have to wait a few more years before the South African GP can be reprised. This also means that the Belgian Grand Prix will stay in the F1 roster for next year. While it is unfortunate that the F1 circus will be missing out on a trip to Africa next year, it is good news for all the fans and even the drivers, such as Jenson Button, who had said that he would be upset if Spa goes missing from the F1 calendar.
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Liberty Media wants to take Formula 1 to all the continents
In the last few years, Liberty Media has made sure to spread the word about Formula 1 far and wide. With the growing popularity of the sport in the Asian countries as well as in the US, F1 is no longer considered as a European elitist sport. This year, there are going to be three Grands Prix in the US alone. This is a massive growth, and Liberty Media wants to carry it further. Hence, they have set their eyes upon the Kyalami Circuit to bring back the South African GP.
According to the reports, the FIA will confirm the calendar for the next season on June 20 at the World Council meeting in Cordoba. Thus, fans will have to wait for only a few more months before it becomes clear whether the F1 calendar will retain the Belgian Grand Prix held each year at the Spa-Francorchamps Circuit, or if the South African GP will make a comeback at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit.
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Riddhi Mondal
(1821 Articles Published)