South Africa’s already dwindling hopes of returning to the Formula 1 calendar with Kyalami in 2024 has been dealt another blow after the original deadline for the inking of a deal passed without any signatures on the dotted line.
Deal that wasn’t
Despite it extensively being reported last year that the Midrand-based circuit had signed a deal that would’ve resulted in it joining the championship this year after what would have been three decades, nothing occurred in spite of a high profile visit by F1 representatives and CEO, Stefano Domenicali.
In a subsequent revelation in March, South Africa’s 1979 Formula 1 champion, Jody Scheckter, confirmed that Kyalami had been in the running to host a round of the 2023 championship, before what he described as greed being eventual its downfall.
“Everything was in place, and the guy from Kyalami got greedy. Just as soon as F1 left, he changed the whole thing completely. The government realised there was a fight [going on] and withdrew, and that was the end,” the East London-born native told total-motorsport.com.
ALSO READ: Kyalami Grand Prix almost happened but got sunk by ‘greed’
Kyalami out, Spa in?
In the latest unravelling, racingnews365.com reports that a deadline for a Kyalami deal passed on 30 April, without anything happening, resulting in a further extension that, if not signed allegedly by the end of May, could result in Spa-Francorchamps remaining on the F1 calendar for another year.
A further twist is that the supposed deadline could be stretched even further to 20 June or even 19 October when the World Motorsport Council holds its calendar ratification meetings in preparation for the new year.
At it stands, the iconic Belgium circuit does not have a contract with F1 after the 2023 season, though reportedly, negotiations are taking place in conjunction with Miami-based investment firm, 777 Partners, should Kyalami strike out once again.
Adding further confusion to the debacle is that 777 also has the backing of Adam Brown, who promotes the Kyalami 9-Hour on behalf of Stephane Ratel, whose SRO Motorsport Group runs the 24 Hours of Spa and the Intercontinental GT Challenge of which the 9-Hour has been part of since 2019.
Reportedly, Brown’s origination has no links with the SAGP consortium headed by Scheckter’s nephew Warren, who reportedly took the brunt of the failed attempt to host the race this year after six years of trying.
More waiting
As it stands, no further details are known, though chances are that clarity could emerge in the lead-up or after the apparent 31 May deadline.
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