Kyalami MotoGP Return - Brad Binder Reveals Only Problem Left
Although MotoGP is an official world championship, the premier class has not stopped in Africa for some time. This could change in the near future.
After one last Grand Prix on the African continent in 2004, MotoGP effectively ignored Africa in its season planning.
Almost 20 years after the last appearance on the Phakisa Freeway in Welkom, Africa’s only active MotoGP rider is creating a new opportunity – especially in focus: the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit.
In the 1980s and 1990s, the track located between Johannesburg and Pretoria hosted the MotoGP for a total of four races. However, it was not enough to continue the cooperation after 1992.
After some technical changes in the 500cc class, the aging track no longer met the requirements.
In order to bring the track back into the focus of the big racing series, the track operators have been making extensive modernizations over the last ten years.
Brad Binder, who was allowed to do a few laps at Kyalami in 2022 for marketing purposes, raved about the track facilities at the time.
“It was unbelievable. It’s an incredibly great track, I love the layout. Kyalami probably has the best pit facilities of any track we visit at the moment. The facilities and infrastructure are outstanding. They are perfect.”
The South African has long wanted a home Grand Prix. With his outstanding form in 2023, Binder could become a major figurehead for MotoGP on his home continent.
But for a Grand Prix in the near future, a few things would have to be done at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit. Currently, the track does not meet Grade 1 homologation.
Binder explains, “There are just a few places where the walls need to be moved a bit further back.” For the South African, it’s clear: “That’s the biggest obstacle keeping us from returning.”
MotoGP requires enormous run-off zones compared to other racing series due to the high speeds and relatively unprotected riders.
Nevertheless, Binder is sure: “If they can get this one problem out of the way, MotoGP can and hopefully will come back.
