Last week, the Kyalami circuit in South Africa announced that its plans to upgrade to FIA Grade 1, required to host a Formula 1 grand prix, had been approved by the FIA. It was hailed as a "defining moment" and a big step towards F1 returning to the country - and with it the African continent - for the first time since 1993.
The approval gives the venue a three-year timeframe to conduct the necessary works needed to earn the coveted Grade 1 status, including tweaked run-off areas, barrier and fencing work and new kerbs, some of which will only be completed if Kyalami gets to host an F1 race again. Importantly, the changes don't include any revisions to the 4.5km layout itself.
