The Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit was originally built in 1961 and went on to host 18 rounds of the F1 World Championship between 1967 and 1985. After a brief layout change in 1988, a major redevelopment in 1991 brought back international racing, including Grand Prix rounds in 1992 and 1993. Over the years, Kyalami welcomed global motorsport events such as the World Superbike Championship and A1GP, until 2010.
By 2014, the circuit faced decline until renowned motorsport entrepreneur and race driver Toby Venter acquired the venue, igniting its transformation. A multi-million rand redevelopment followed – the largest in the circuit’s history. Upgrades included complete resurfacing, improved safety features, spectator enhancements, and a modern pit complex. The track is now a 4.522km FIA Grade 2 circuit, the only one of its kind in Africa.
Today, the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit & International Convention Centre is home to world-class events, premier motoring experiences like the BMW Driving Experience, and stands as Africa’s leading motorsport and event destination, located between Johannesburg and Pretoria.
The Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, originally established in 1961, is one of the most historic and prestigious racetracks in South Africa. Between 1967 and 1985, the original Kyalami layout hosted 18 Formula 1 World Championship Grand Prix events, cementing its place on the global motorsport stage. In 1988, the circuit underwent layout modifications, and a major redevelopment in 1991 allowed the return of international racing, including Formula 1 races in 1992 and 1993. Over the years, Kyalami continued to attract top-tier global motorsport events, including the World Superbike Championship, A1 Grand Prix, and various endurance racing series, up until 2010.
By 2014, Kyalami had declined, until Toby Venter, a respected motorsport entrepreneur and racing driver, purchased the venue. Under his leadership, Kyalami underwent a multi-million rand redevelopment, the largest transformation in the circuit’s history. This upgrade included full track resurfacing, advanced FIA-standard safety improvements, expanded spectator zones, and the construction of a state-of-the-art pit building and paddock complex. Today, the circuit is classified as a 4.522km FIA Grade 2 racetrack—the only one of its kind in Africa, capable of hosting high-performance racing, international events, and manufacturer testing.
Conveniently located between Johannesburg and Pretoria, the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit & International Convention Centre serves as a multifunctional destination for motorsport, business, and lifestyle events. The venue also hosts premium motoring experiences like the BMW Driving Experience, offering professional driver training on a world-class track. Today, Kyalami stands as Africa’s leading motorsport venue, combining historic legacy with cutting-edge facilities.
The Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit officially opened on 4 November 1961 in Midrand, Gauteng, perfectly located between Johannesburg and Pretoria. The 4.104 km clockwise circuit hosted its first race, the iconic 9 Hour Endurance, where John Love and Dawie Gous claimed victory in a Porsche 550 Spyder.
Throughout the early 1960s, British Ferrari privateer David Piper dominated the 9 Hour race, winning five consecutive times with various co-drivers. These events turned Kyalami into a must-visit location for top-tier international endurance teams escaping Europe’s harsh winter.
Kyalami secured its place on the global motorsport map when it joined the Formula 1 World Championship calendar in 1967. Over the next two decades, the circuit hosted 18 official F1 Grands Prix, attracting legends like Jim Clark, Jackie Stewart, Jack Brabham, Mario Andretti, and South Africa’s own Jody Scheckter, who thrilled home crowds with his 1975 victory in a Tyrrell.
The 1970s and ’80s were Kyalami’s golden years. The track hosted not only F1 races but also the World Sportscar Championship, 1000km endurance races, and the 500cc Motorcycle World Championship. Big names like Niki Lauda, Gilles Villeneuve, Alain Prost, and Nigel Mansell etched their names into Kyalami’s legacy. With crowd numbers nearing 100,000, a visit to Kyalami was a true motorsport festival.
In 1989, the top section of the property was sold, and Kyalami was reconfigured into a 3.888 km anticlockwise circuit. Although some of the original magic was lost with the removal of the long straight, the heart of the track, Sunset to The Esses, was preserved. The pits were relocated, and traditional corner names were replaced with sponsor branding to keep the circuit commercially viable.
Kyalami once again found its international footing when it hosted the World Superbike Championship (WSBK) from 1998 to 2002, and again in 2009 and 2010. In 2009, the circuit also welcomed a round of the A1GP series, further solidifying its position on the international calendar. A controversial chicane added in 1994 was finally removed in 2009 to restore better racing flow.
By 2014, the circuit had fallen into decline. On 24 July 2014, it was auctioned and bought by Toby Venter, a visionary motorsport entrepreneur and racing driver, for R205 million. His acquisition marked the start of a powerful comeback story for one of the world’s most iconic circuits.
In May 2015, a full-scale multi-million rand redevelopment began. The upgrades included a complete circuit resurfacing, all-new pit and paddock facilities, improved spectator areas, a 1.1 km handling track, a driving dynamics area, and modern safety infrastructure to meet FIA Grade 2 standards, allowing Kyalami to host top-tier racing events once again.
Now classified as an FIA Grade 2 circuit, Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit & International Convention Centre has re-established itself as Africa’s leading motorsport and motoring venue. It’s home to premium events, international race series, and corporate experiences, including the popular BMW Driving Experience. Kyalami continues to honour its racing legacy while racing into a future defined by innovation, safety, and speed.
The Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, located in Midrand, Gauteng, was established in 1961. From the start, it quickly became Southern Africa’s premier motorsport facility, attracting top European teams thanks to South Africa’s favourable summer climate.
The annual Kyalami 9 Hour Endurance Race became a prestigious event, drawing international acclaim. By 1967, Kyalami joined the Formula 1 World Championship, placing South Africa firmly on the global motorsport map.
The Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, located in Midrand, Gauteng, was established in 1961. From the start, it quickly became Southern Africa’s premier motorsport facility, attracting top European teams thanks to South Africa’s favourable summer climate.
In 1989, the top half of the property was sold. The track was flipped and shortened to 3.888 km, running anticlockwise. Sponsor-named corners replaced the classics, reflecting commercial shifts in the sport.
Further redevelopment in the early 1990s brought the 4.246 km layout, hosting the 1992 and 1993 South African Grands Prix. Later, WSBK races returned from 1998 to 2010, keeping Kyalami on the world stage.
After a period of decline, new ownership in 2014 revitalised Kyalami. Today, it stands as the only FIA Grade 2 circuit in Africa, a symbol of historic prestige and modern excellence.
The Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit officially opened on 4 November 1961 in Midrand, Gauteng, perfectly located between Johannesburg and Pretoria. The 4.104 km clockwise circuit hosted its first race, the iconic 9 Hour Endurance, where John Love and Dawie Gous claimed victory in a Porsche 550 Spyder.
Throughout the early 1960s, British Ferrari privateer David Piper dominated the 9 Hour race, winning five consecutive times with various co-drivers. These events turned Kyalami into a must-visit location for top-tier international endurance teams escaping Europe’s harsh winter.
Kyalami secured its place on the global motorsport map when it joined the Formula 1 World Championship calendar in 1967. Over the next two decades, the circuit hosted 18 official F1 Grands Prix, attracting legends like Jim Clark, Jackie Stewart, Jack Brabham, Mario Andretti, and South Africa’s own Jody Scheckter, who thrilled home crowds with his 1975 victory in a Tyrrell.
The 1970s and ’80s were Kyalami’s golden years. The track hosted not only F1 races but also the World Sportscar Championship, 1000km endurance races, and the 500cc Motorcycle World Championship. Big names like Niki Lauda, Gilles Villeneuve, Alain Prost, and Nigel Mansell etched their names into Kyalami’s legacy. With crowd numbers nearing 100,000, a visit to Kyalami was a true motorsport festival.
In 1989, the top section of the property was sold, and Kyalami was reconfigured into a 3.888 km anticlockwise circuit. Although some of the original magic was lost with the removal of the long straight, the heart of the track, Sunset to The Esses, was preserved. The pits were relocated, and traditional corner names were replaced with sponsor branding to keep the circuit commercially viable.
Kyalami once again found its international footing when it hosted the World Superbike Championship (WSBK) from 1998 to 2002, and again in 2009 and 2010. In 2009, the circuit also welcomed a round of the A1GP series, further solidifying its position on the international calendar. A controversial chicane added in 1994 was finally removed in 2009 to restore better racing flow.
By 2014, the circuit had fallen into decline. On 24 July 2014, it was auctioned and bought by Toby Venter, a visionary motorsport entrepreneur and racing driver, for R205 million. His acquisition marked the start of a powerful comeback story for one of the world’s most iconic circuits.
In May 2015, a full-scale multi-million rand redevelopment began. The upgrades included a complete circuit resurfacing, all-new pit and paddock facilities, improved spectator areas, a 1.1 km handling track, a driving dynamics area, and modern safety infrastructure to meet FIA Grade 2 standards, allowing Kyalami to host top-tier racing events once again.
Now classified as an FIA Grade 2 circuit, Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit & International Convention Centre has re-established itself as Africa’s leading motorsport and motoring venue. It’s home to premium events, international race series, and corporate experiences, including the popular BMW Driving Experience. Kyalami continues to honour its racing legacy while racing into a future defined by innovation, safety, and speed.
Ingwe
Cheetah
The Crocodiles
Turn 11
Leeukop
The Esses
Clubhouse
Sunset
Barbeque
Jukskei Sweep
Crowthorne
The Kink
Turn 4
Turn 8
Mineshaft
Turn 14