F1 News
Cape Town organisers pitch all new F1 street race in Africa
South Africa continues to be an interesting proposition for Formula 1, and a race in Cape Town has emerged as the latest possibility to hold a race in the African continent. South Africa itself hasn't hosted a race since Kyalami in 1993. Now, organisers hope that they can stand out with their latest efforts to bring a race back to the country, albeit in a different setting to the previously favoured Kyalami.
A new motorsport event is being proposed for Cape Town, with plans to transform a 5.7-kilometre stretch of roads in the Green Point Sport Tourism Precinct into a high-speed racing circuit. This upmarket area has been identified as an ideal setting for a Formula 1 race.
The effort to bring Formula 1 to Cape Town has been in the works for a long period of time, spearheaded by Cape Town Grand Prix SA (CTGPSA). The organization has been in ongoing discussions with government officials, working through the necessary steps to secure approval for the project.
The proposed course follows the roads surrounding DHL Stadium, a venue that was originally built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The stadium hosted eight matches during the tournament, including the semi-final. This location perfectly aligns with the requirements outlined in South Africa’s bid documentation, which prioritises a setting in a globally recognisable and visually striking area.
A major step forward came with the successful hosting of a Formula E race in 2023, which used a track layout closely resembling the design originally envisioned for a Formula 1 event. The project gained momentum through partnerships with several key stakeholders, including renowned circuit designer Hermann Tilke.
What would the circuit look like?
The Race reports that there are notable additions to the previous Formula E circuit. The first adjustment comes midway through the lap, where the track winds around a roundabout before weaving through a series of seaside corners.
Later on, what was once the high-speed back straight of the Formula E circuit now extends further along the beachfront, finishing with a pair of sharp 90-degree turns.
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