South African Grand Prix Formula One Race

Formula One South African Grand Prix

The first South African Grand Prix, was raced in 1934. It was a Grand Prix handicap race, and the event was hosted at the Prince George Circuit, that is located in East London, in the Eastern Cape Province. World class drivers such as Richard “Dick” Seaman, Bernd Rosemeyer and Luigi Villoresi were seen racing here. Luigi Villoresi won the South African Grand Prix in 1939.

The start of World War II, saw the end of the racing but received Formula One status in 1962, and became a popular event. Due to the Apartheid era, the Formula One South African Grand Prix had to be cancelled on many occasions. The very first South African Grand Prix, that was part of Formula One, was raced on 29 December 1962. East London, once again, hosted the event and the South African Grand Prix returned to the Prince George Circuit in 1963 and in 1965.

The decision to move the Formula One South African Grand Prix, was made in 1967, and for as long as South Africa remained on the Formula One racing calendar, the Kyalami Circuit remained its host. During the years 1962 and 1993, there were 23 Formula One Grand Prix races held at Kyalami Circuit. The Kyalami Circuit is raced over 78 laps, and the total racing distance is 320.112 kilometers.

The fasted lap was done by John Watson in 1977, with a lap time of 1’17.630. This was also a race of great tragedy. A 19 year old student, named Jansen Van Vuuren, together with another mashall, were killed whilst rushing to the aid of Renzo Zorzi. Zorzi’s Shadow had caught alight, and whilst crossing the road Van Vuuren was struck by Tom Pryce. The impact was so severe it killed both men instantly. Pryces’ injuries were from the fire extinguisher, and Van Vuuren was destroyed by the extreme force of impact. There were no identifiable limbs retrieved and his loss was confirmed by a head count of employees. Another tragic loss of life was that of Peter Revson, that died in 1974 during his practice run. The last South African Grand Prix that was held at the Kyalami Circuit was in 1993.