Its a step forward for the motorsport fraternity in Africa - Liyema Letlaka

This was after Kyalami circuit boss Toby Venter publicly confirmed that their final design proposals to upgrade the Johannesburg circuit had received the nod from the FIA.

This upgrade seeks to steer South Africa’s possible bid for Formula One to return to the country after 32 years.

In an exclusive interview with SABC Sport, Letlaka states that this fuels their passion to sustain motorsport programmes in Africa.

“We as SAES are thrilled and excited about the proval of the Kyalami Grand Prix circuit. It is a huge win for South African motorsport, it’s also reaffirming South Africa’s place on a global racing stage. This milestone will open international doors in South Africa and it also fuels our passion to keep pushing motorsports programmes in Africa,’’ said Letlaka.

The multimillion rand track was last upgraded in 2016 and currently holds a FIA Grade 2 certificate. With new renovations expected to cost up to $10-million. Letlaka says it is beneficial that Kyalami is already a premium circuit, which means the renovation process can be sped up to 48 months.

“There’s a lot of planning behind these kinds of upgrades, there will be assessments, design developments, environmental and government approvals and a lot of other things that go in the background. But it is good that Kyalami is already a premium circuit and we’re looking at about 2 years for renovations,’’ added Letlaka.

Morocco and Rwanda have joined South Africa in the interest to host Africa's first ever Formula One race since 1993. Letlaka believes South Africa has an upper hand to lead African nations in the F1 calendar, because of the previous experience of the championships between the 1960s and early 90s.

“Historically what gives South Africa the upper hand is the fact that Kyalami has hosted the F1 races before. It is rooted deeply in the motorsports culture and has a huge fan base.

So it will be amazing for South Africa to come back on that scale. Kyalami is also the only circuit in Africa with near ready facilities that can meet FIA Grade one standards, with fewer upgrades. Johannesburg and Cape Town are already recognised globally as strong tourist destinations,’’ she concluded.