Blue Mountain Racing (BMR) has announced plans to develop a Formula 1-standard circuit in the Swartland region of the Western Cape, with the privately funded project targeting the possibility of hosting a Grand Prix by 2031.
The proposal was announced by BMR chair Neal Froneman at the annual Swartland Mayoral Breakfast in Cape Town on 22 September.
BMR says the proposed circuit would be designed to FIA Grade 1 standards and form part of a 600-hectare motorsport and mixed-use development. The company has already made initial contact with Formula 1 and MotoGP as it develops the proposal.
The project is being advanced as a private initiative, with BMR engaging national and provincial government, potential commercial partners and other stakeholders.
600-hectare motorsport precinct
The proposed circuit would be designed with multiple access routes and capacity for the crowds expected at a Grand Prix weekend.
BMR’s plans extend beyond the circuit itself, with the proposed precinct intended to operate throughout the year. It could include a conference and events centre, hospitality and residential developments, an automotive hub with engineering and testing facilities, a driving academy and automotive skills development programme, as well as a karting facility for young people.
Froneman said the proposed location would offer an alternative to a street circuit in Cape Town, while remaining close to the city and its airport, hospitality infrastructure and tourism attractions.
The project is intended to draw on Cape Town’s existing appeal as a tourist destination while using the Swartland site for the circuit and associated development.
Local jobs and skills development
BMR says local participation will form part of the proposed development, including the recruitment and training of motorsport marshals from the surrounding area.
A Grand Prix requires between 700 and 1,000 trained marshals, according to BMR. It intends to recruit from communities including Malmesbury, Abbotsdale and Kalbaskraal, as well as the greater Chatsworth area, with opportunities also planned for people from Atlantis and Saldanha Bay.
The organisation says the development could also create opportunities in hospitality, transport, security, construction and small businesses during construction and once the precinct is operational.
Alderman Harold Cleophas, executive mayor of Swartland Municipality, said the proposed development could have a significant impact on the region and that the municipality would continue engaging with BMR as the project develops.
Proposal still in development
BMR says the project has received interest and in-principle support from several South African companies, while the Western Cape Provincial Government, Swartland Municipality and Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie have been identified as supporting the vision.
The company is continuing discussions with potential commercial, financial and strategic partners as design and planning work progresses.
BMR has not announced a confirmed Formula 1 event, contract or race date. Its current proposal is to develop a circuit capable of meeting Formula 1’s requirements and pursue the possibility of bringing a Grand Prix to the Western Cape by 2031.
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