Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit boss Toby Venter says he has received confirmation that the Federation International de l'Automobile (FIA) has accepted the final design proposals to upgrade the Johannesburg-based circuit to Grade 1 status.

The upgrade is a requirement to host a Formula 1 (F1) race and will cost between $5-million and $10-million.

The 4.522 km Kyalami track, upgraded in 2016, currently holds FIA Grade 2 certification.

Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie at the end of last year announced a team of experts to form part of a Bid Steering Committee which is lobbying for the return of F1 to South Africa.

These experts are responsible for preparing a bid – including selecting a city and a track – for the consideration of the Formula One Group and global motorsport’s governing body, the FIA.

The Kyalami circuit was constructed in 1961. South Africa’s pleasant summer climate made it a favourite destination for European teams unable to compete on home turf owing to the winter off-season.

By the mid-1970s, Kyalami had hosted 21 F1 Grand Prix races. Moto GP also visited the circuit from 1983 to 1985.

Venter and Clive Bowen, founder and director of UK-based Apex Circuit Design, this week unveiled a programme which has been ongoing for five years.

Apex, an internationally recognised circuit design house, managed the design of the Miami Formula 1 street circuit, among others.

“This is a defining moment for South African motorsport,” said Venter.

“When we acquired Kyalami in 2014, we made a commitment to restore it, not just as a world-class venue, but as a beacon for motorsport across the African continent.

“The FIA’s acceptance of our Grade 1 design is a major step forward in that journey.

“Today, we turn the page to a bold new chapter for Kyalami. We are ready for the return of Formula 1 to African soil.”

The proposed FIA Grade 1 upgrade – which requires no change to the circuit layout – focuses on enhancing run-off areas, barrier systems, debris fencing, kerbs and drainage.

“This is a light-touch upgrade in engineering terms, but one that enhances the already excellent circuit standards to meet modern Grade 1 requirements,” noted Bowen.

The FIA’s approval grants Kyalami a three-year period to complete the intended Grade 1 upgrades.

Work will initially be conducted during periods that will not disrupt events.

Further work will then be carried out pending South Africa securing a spot on the F1 calendar and Kyalami being selected as the preferred hosting venue.

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture Bid Steering Committee has responded by noting that the proposed Kyalami upgrade “bodes well for the country’s bid to host an F1 race in future”.

However, it also warns that the selection process is still ongoing.

“Whilst the committee believes this is positive news for South Africa and motorsport in our country, it wishes to clarify that the above announcement and development is entirely independent from the work of the committee.

“The committee remains seized with the evaluation and adjudication of proposals received for the staging and promotion of an F1 race in South Africa.

“In the near future, the committee will make an announcement on the outcomes of this process, along with the preferred promoter for the country.”