A consortium called Blue Mountain Racing aims to host Formula One and MotoGP races at a new circuit in the Swartland, Western Cape. The project, led by former Sibanye-Stillwater CEO Neal Froneman, plans to stage its first Formula One race by 2031. This would be 38 years after the last Grand Prix was held at Kyalami in 1993. The initiative is privately driven and funded, with the potential to boost tourism and create jobs.
The new circuit will be built on a 600ha site near Malmesbury, about an hour's drive from Cape Town. It will be designed to FIA grade 1 standard and fully privately financed at no public expense, with a total cost of R6.7bn. Blue Mountain Racing has made initial contact with Formula One and MotoGP to host annual rounds of the world championships. The company is also engaging with national and provincial governments as design and planning work proceeds.
According to Neal Froneman, modern Formula One has evolved into a global entertainment property with 24 events annually. Each event is anchored in a city that people already want to visit. Froneman believes this proposal creates a win-win scenario, given the circuit's proximity to Cape Town, a popular tourist destination. The circuit is planned as the first component of a precinct that will operate year-round as a racetrack, conference, and events centre.
There have been several attempts to revive the South African Grand Prix since the last race at Kyalami in 1993. However, these efforts have been thwarted by the significant financial investment required. Estimates suggest that staging the event could cost between R1.2bn and R2.6bn annually. Local F1 fans have become cynical about the event's prospects due to previous failed attempts.
Last year, sport, arts, and culture minister Gayton McKenzie expressed confidence that the race would take place in 2027. He cited potential sponsors ready to fund the event, following Kyalami's upgrade approval by the FIA. However, McKenzie later confirmed that South Africa would not host a grand prix in 2027 due to underestimated financial and logistical requirements. The government is now focusing on a potential bid for 2028 or 2029.
MotoGP was last held in South Africa in 2004 at the Phakisa racetrack in Welkom. Valentino Rossi won the event on a Yamaha. Previous motorcycle grands prix were held at Kyalami in the 1980s and 1990s before moving to Phakisa in 1999. Blue Mountain Racing's proposal offers a new opportunity for South Africa to host a MotoGP event.
Blue Mountain Racing's CEO, Bobby Hartslief, said the circuit would be a key component of a larger precinct. The precinct would operate year-round, hosting various events and conferences. The project aims to unlock tourism growth and job creation in the region.
Key points
- The new R6.7bn circuit will be built to FIA grade 1 standard.
- The circuit will be fully privately financed at no public expense.
- The project aims to host Formula One and MotoGP races by 2031.
