According to Carmelo Ezpeleta, president of DORNA Sports, the championship is inundated with applications for new circuits; however, KTM rider Brad Binder is putting forward the idea of a new MotoGP race on his home turf in South Africa. The African continent is seemingly shunned by the highest authorities in motorsport, and while discussions are underway to return to Formula 1, there is no indication that the motorcycling world will follow suit. Isn't this a missed opportunity? Binder looked into the subject.
Why wouldn't MotoGP overtake F1 for once? That's the question that needs to be asked, as the KTM official hopes for a return to South Africa very soon. « I was recently in Sepang, but I was also able to train in Kyalami, my home. It’s such a cool track! It’s a shame that F1 or MotoGP don’t race there. I really hope we can bring our championship back there.” he said to the microphones of speedweek.
The Kyalami circuit is a revolving door, but oh so interesting.
Formula 1, operated by Liberty Medium, is currently trying to remedy this problem. The latest news is that the return to Africa would be more about Rwanda, through the creation of a new circuit. The World Motorcycle Championship has already set up shop on the continent. First at Kyalami, the circuit Brad Binder talks about, from 1983 to 1985, then in 1992. Then the Welkom track took over, from 1999 to 2004. This last edition was marked by the first victory of Valentino Rossi for Yamaha, after four seasons with Honda.
Brad Binder believes in the Kyalami track, which has never stopped being used. "Formula 1 would not have to change anything at all. MotoGP, some small changes need to be made, but contrary to what one might think, there would not be everything to redo. Of course I know the rules: There are some asphalt runoff areas that have to be filled with gravel to be good for us." he concluded.
Brad Binder's support and his popularity in his country could perfectly play in favor of this candidacy.. Recently, Ezpeleta said he had 28 requests for 22 races (the maximum for now), but nothing is impossible.In any case, it seems difficult that a continent so important for the world economy should be totally neglected, especially by a sport as globalized as MotoGP.
Can you imagine a Grand Prix in Africa in the near future? Tell us in the comments!
Photo: KTM
Cover photo: KTM
