The phased refurbishment at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, which commenced in May 2015 is in its final stages.
Phase one of the project which included a comprehensive redesign and upgrade of the now 4.522km race circuit, is complete. The new layout received a specialised asphalt surface and substantial upgrades to driver, race official and spectator safety, in accordance with FIA grading.
In the short time that the race track has been complete, Kyalami has successfully hosted two major motor vehicle launches. Leisure Wheels attended the Toyota Hilux launch and got to test the off-road section as well as drive on the new track (although as you can imagine we weren’t breaking any records in these bakkies).
The 4 x 4 off-road venue, designed to incorporate a variety of technical obstacles, ideal for off-road driver training and vehicle launches, is complete.
The construction of the Kyalami Pit Building and International Convention Centre, which forms phase two of the project, is scheduled for completion end May 2016. The International Convention Centre will include world class facilities for year–round conferencing, exhibitions, trade shows, product launches, private functions and brand activations.
The Convention Centre incorporates the new Paddock Club; a modern, air-conditioned spacious hall with 2770 square meters of uninterrupted, flexible event space with generous 9 meter high ceilings, providing a blank canvas ready for limitless transformation. The Paddock can be accessed via the new 5 meter wide Convention Centre bridge or via a grand staircase leading onto a 820 square meter covered viewing deck with magnificent views of the greater Johannesburg skyline. The bridge allows vehicles to drive directly into the Paddock for ease of access when loading in event gear or catering elements.
The first floor houses two Grand Boardrooms, four Conference Rooms and Race Control directly overlooking the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit start and finish line, providing unique meeting spaces. The new covered Roof Terrace on the third floor which is open on two sides, boasts 2100 square meters of space as well as breathtaking views. An additional Launch Area is situated in the Pits: an exclusive space, especially adapted to accommodate vehicle activations with direct access to the pit lane and circuit.
The new Convention Centre now also provides large, fully equipped kitchens, new ablution facilities, plentiful parking and disabled access to all venues within the complex.
Phase three of the project includes the construction of two outdoor exhibition platforms, with a combined area of 35 000 square meters. The lower platform which serves as a Dynamic Driver Training area, incorporates an irrigated skid pan, the surface of which is covered with a specially formulated, low friction asphalt, allowing ultimate flexibility in mastering the art of driving or riding in a safe and controlled environment.
The 1.1 kilometre Dynamic Handling Circuit has been designed with the flexibility to divide into two separate circuits that can be used independently, or connected together to form a longer handling circuit with a variety of corners and gradients. A portion of the circuit will be irrigated for wet condition driver training simulation, working in synergy with the Dynamic Driver Training Area. Completion of this phase is expected at the end of May.
View a map of the track.
The Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit is the premier motoring and motorsport facility in Africa, as well as a leading conference and event venue, which will host among other events, the SA Festival of Motoring, previously known as the Johannesburg International Motor Show.