Red Bull took their 2011 F1 title-winning RB7 to Kyalami
in South Africa for a demo run recently, with the sport not having run there
for over 30 years.
The last South African Grand Prix came in 1993 and calls
have grown in recent years for Formula 1 to return to Africa, with Coulthard
stating “it’s clear” South Africa “is ready to rejoin” the sport, should the
opportunity arise.
Red Bull take in F1 demonstration at Kyalami
The RB7 was initially airlifted in by helicopter to the
circuit, with Coulthard taking in laps at the circuit which hosted the South
African Grand Prix from 1967-1985, then again in 1992 and 1993.
The circuit has been resurfaced and reconfigured over
time, and while it currently holds FIA Grade 2 certification, multiple reports
in South Africa claim the circuit is looking to start work on moving it up to
Grade 1 status – the highest accreditation required to host Formula 1 Grands
Prix – partnering with Apex Circuit Design, lead technical consultants of the
Miami Grand Prix, to look to achieve this goal.
For Coulthard, he drove around the circuit in modern Formula 1 machinery before performing donuts with renowned local spinning champion Samkeliso “SamSam” Thubane.
