Kyalami to host South African A1 GP
22 July 2008
The South African A1 Grand Prix will take place at Kyalami, Johannesburg from 2009 after a deal was struck between the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport and the Gauteng government. It is expected to provide significant economic, social and tourism benefits for the province.
Previously the South African A1 Grand Prix was successfully hosted by Durban, with the 2005/06 event being voted the best race of the season.
Now, with Kyalami, which was previously the home of the South African Formula One Grand Prix, as the host circuit of the event, it is expected that it will serve as a catalyst for the creation of a wide range of employment opportunities in the motorsport, logisitical, security and infrastructure sectors. It will also stimulate investment and benefit the hospitality industry.
'International exposure'
Gauteng Premier Mbhazima Shilowa said: "A1GP will give Gauteng international exposure, with about 300 million people expected to view the event on television worldwide. It will add more impetus to Gauteng's efforts to position itself as the home of competitive sport.
"A1GP will position Gauteng as a preferred tourist destination. The event takes the province closer to the achievement of its strategic objective of increasing Gauteng's share of the tourism market to more than 50% of all international arrivals," he added.
Paul Mashatile, the Gauteng MEC for Finance and Economic Affairs said: "A1GP signals the beginning of the development of motorsport as one of the areas with massive potential to boost economic growth in Gauteng. Our association with A1GP is also in line with our approach to supporting the automotive sector as one of the critical pillars of the provincial economy."
History
As a permanent racing facility, the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit is approaching its 50th anniversary. Since its opening in 1961, the circuit played host to numerous Grand Prix, Moto GP and World Superbike endurance events.
The current 4.26-kilometre layout of the track was built in 1991, with only one minor addition since, the building of a chicane at the penultimate corner.
A1GP is a motorsport competition for nations, rather than drivers, in which all teams compete on a level playing field. Technology and innovation are deliberately equalised and performance is determined by human bravery, skill and excellence.
'Going from strength to strength
A1GP CEO, Pete da Silva, says the future of the competition looks bright. "The series is going from strength to strength, not only commercially, but also because of the fiercely competitive on-track action.
"We have made a number of exciting announcements for the new season, such as the commercial partnership with Ferrari to supply A1GP engines and consult on the design and manufacture of the chassis, thereby cementing A1GP's position as a major international series.
"Gauteng is the economic powerhouse of the country and also the home of competitive sport, now including A1GP. The people of South Africa, and more especially Gauteng, can look forward to an event like no other. It will be a feast for the senses," he reckoned.
Enthusiastic
A1 Team RSA Seat Holder Tokyo Sexwale is enthusiastic about the future. "A new season of A1GP approaches and with it, new and exciting developments," he said.
"The series is characterised by fast cars, high octane action and beautiful people - all of which also characterise the province of Gauteng.
"I'm proud of A1 Team RSA, which finished in fifth place in the last season of A1GP. I know that the team is preparing to make the nation proud, not only in the series as a whole, but also when the race comes to our shores in February."
The A1GP Gauteng event will be held from 20 February to 22 February at the Kyalami Grand Prix circuit in Johannesburg.
Ferrari powered
In an exciting development, the cars for the new season will feature V8 Ferrari engines in a chassis based on the design of Ferrari's 2004 F1 car. The chassis was built in the UK with South African F1 designer Rory Byrne as a consultant.
In October 2007, Ferrari signed a six-year agreement to supply all A1 GP engines and assist with chassis design from the 2008/09 season.
The teams will drive their new cars for the first time at Silverstone on 19 and 20 August.
The South African car has a similar livery to the 2007/08 car but with a simpler combination of the six colours of the SA flag to allow maximum exposure for the team's sponsors.
Tyres
A deal has also been struck with Michelin to become the exclusive tyre partner to A1GP World Cup of Motorsport, starting with the 2008/09 season. The French company which has a vast motorsport heritage has signed a three-year deal.
A1GP General Manager, Technical and Operations, John Wickham: "We are very pleased to be working with Michelin for the next three seasons.
"Michelin has a vast amount of experience in motorsport and will enhance the competitive nature of our series. We commenced the test programme at the beginning of June and have now specified the most suitable tyre compound and construction for our new A1GP Powered by Ferrari car."
The 2008/09 A1 GP series will visit 11 countries, including South Africa. It starts at Mugello in Italy on 21 September.
Source: A1GP: The World Cup of Motorsport
