Kyalami
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Kyalami is a motor racing circuit, and suburb in Gauteng, South Africa north of Johannesburg. The circuit has been used for Grand Prix and Formula One races and has hosted the South African Grand Prix many times. In recent years, the area surrounding the circuit has developed into a residential and commercial suburb of Johannesburg. The circuit has also played host to five rounds of the prestigious World Superbike series from 1998 - 2002.
The original circuit (in use until political sanctions eliminated the Grand Prix in 1986) was a majestic, sweeping circuit on which many memorable races were staged. Regrettably, when the circuit was rebuilt in the early 1990s as part of a housing development, all the grand character of the original circuit was lost. The world famous Crowthorne bend, Barbeque and Jukskei sweep corners were either eliminated or heavily modified as part of this redevelopment, with the result that the circuit became a narrow, twisty ribbon rather than one of the fastest circuits on the calendar. Formula one abandoned the rebuilt circuit in 1993 after just two races (and a bankruptcy on the part of the promoter) and looks unlikely to return to the area.
The South African Grand Prix has also been held at East London.
