Kyalami track upgrades: Here's what the new circuit will look like

Johannesburg - 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 hosted two major motor vehicle launches. The 4x4 off-road venue, designed to incorporate a variety of technical obstacles, ideal for off road driver training and vehicle launches, is complete.

New convention centre

The construction of the Kyalami Pit Building and International Convention Centre, which forms  phase  two  of  the  project,  is  scheduled  for completion  at the end of May 2016.  According to track organisers: "The International Convention Centre will include world class facilities for year-round conferencing, exhibitions, trade shows, product launches, private functions and brand activation.

"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 9m high ceilings, providing a blank canvas ready for limitless transformation. The Paddock can be accessed via the new 5m 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/finish line, providing unique meeting spaces. The new covered Roof Terrace on the third floor, which is open on two sides, has 2100 square meters of space. 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.

Driver-focused facilities

Phase three of the project includes the construction of two multi-functional 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 1.1km 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.

The circuit offers ample parking, ease of access and spectacular views, adding to the appeal of Kyalami as the preferred destination for a wide variety of events. Focus has also been placed  on  providing  excellent  event  support  services  to  ensure  a  premium  visitor experience.

The Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit has once again taken its place as the premier motoring and motorsport facility in Africa, as well as a leading conference and event venue, ideally situated, in the growing metropolis between Johannesburg, Sandton, Midrand, Centurion and Tshwane/Pretoria.

See images below:

                                         Off-road facilities at the new Kyalami