UpdateF1 >> Formula 1 News > South African A1GP round at Kyalami

Race to be held on Febuary 22

A1GP World Cup of Motorsport has entered into a partnership with the Gauteng Provincial Government for the hosting rights for the South African A1GP event, ushering in a new era for both parties and promising to provide significant economic, social and tourism benefits for the province.

The A1GP Gauteng event will be held from 20 – 22 February, 2009 at the famous Kyalami Grand Prix circuit, north of Johannesburg.

It is expected that the A1GP Gauteng event will serve as a catalyst for the creation of a wide range of employment opportunities in the motorsport, logisitical, security and infrastructure sectors. It will also stimulate investment and benefit the hospitality industry.

“A1GP will give Gauteng international exposure, with about 300 million people expected to view the event on television worldwide,” said Gauteng Premier Mbhazima Shilowa. “It will add more impetus to Gauteng’s efforts to position itself as the home of competitive sport.

“A1GP will position Gauteng as a preferred tourist destination. The event takes the province closer to the achievement of its strategic objective of increasing Gauteng’s share of the tourism market to more than 50% of all international arrivals.”

Paul Mashatile, Gauteng MEC for Finance and Economic Affairs says: “A1GP signals the beginning of the development of motorsport as one of the areas with massive potential to boost economic growth in Gauteng. Our association with A1GP is also in line with our approach to supporting the automotive sector as one of the critical pillars of the provincial economy”.

As a permanent racing facility, Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit is approaching its 50th anniversary. Since its opening in 1961 the circuit played host to numerous Grand Prix, Moto GP and World Superbike endurance events.

The current 4.26-km layout of the track was built in 1991, with only one minor addition since, the building of a chicane at the penultimate corner.

A1GP CEO Pete da Silva said: “Gauteng is the economic powerhouse of the country and also the home of competitive sport, now including A1GP. The people of South Africa and more especially Gauteng can look forward to an event like no other. It will be a feast for the senses.”

Written: Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:35:15