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Porsche South Africa buys Kyalami F1 Grand Prix circuit

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Khatir Soltani
Porsche South Africa bought the Kyalami Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit for $19.5 million at an auction.

It was sold to a telephone bidder, on behalf of Porsche South Africa, in an auction lasting around one minute and 50 seconds.

"Porsche South Africa is going to keep it as a track. I believe they are going to develop around the track, which will then enhance the value for the owners," said Lance Chalwin-Milton, joint managing director of The High Street Auction Co.

Porsche South Africa is an independent importer and isn't part of Volkswagen AG Porsche, according to a representative of the Stuttgart, Germany-based maker of the 911 sports car.

The South African Grand Prix was held 20 times at Kyalami between 1967 and 1993.

The great Gilles Villeneuve won the race in 1979, driving his Ferrari 312 T4 to first place from his teammate Jody Scheckter and Jean-Pierre Jarier in a Tyrrell-Ford.

Here's a video of Ayrton Senna taking the start of the 1992 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami.



Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
As a car enthusiast, he tests and compares vehicles from different categories through the eyes of the consumer, ensuring relevant and objective reviews.
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada