Former Formula One driver David Coulthard says having a permanent racing facility would be the key to South Africa hosting an F1 Grand Prix race for the first time since 1993.

Speculation reached a high in June last year that Formula One could make a return to South Africa at the Kyalami racetrack in Johannesburg. However, the idea was abandoned due to the SA government’s ties to Russia, according to reports at the time.

In July this year, SA sports minister Gayton McKenzie fired up the rumour mill again when he said he wants to bring F1 back to South Africa.

Speaking to Independent Newspapers this week, Coulthard suggested it would be better to host a potential race in South Africa, than anywhere else in Africa.

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‘A street race doesn’t benefit the community’

“A custom-built facility is an asset for a local community and for motorsport generally,” said Coulthard, who drove for Williams, McLaren and Red Bull during his career.

“There is some talk that there could be a street race in Rwanda, and that certainly would be a showcase in that moment in time, as the whole world would be watching.

“The downside of a street race is that it doesn’t then get used by the community beyond the race weekend spectacle.

“Having a permanent facility gives you all sorts of business and development opportunities, including in the youth market and carting. A permanent facility is always going to be better, but obviously you need a promoter who is prepared to bring the event to that area.”

It means the Kyalami racetrack would be the likeliest venue for a potential race, but it would still have to undergo significant upgrades before it would be considered.

“That is one of the big challenges, I guess – how governments decide to engage and spend their money.”

Though Coulthard began his F1 career a year after a Grand Prix was last held in South Africa, he spoke highly of the track.

“I have driven Kyalami in an F1 car, and it is a great circuit. It has elevation change and a lot of excitement.”

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton has also called for the hosting of a Grand Prix race in Africa.

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IOL Sport