South Africa's Kyalami circuit has been pencilled in to host a grand prix in 2001, the first time the country will have staged a Formula One event since 1993.

"We have a contract to bring a round of the World Championship to South Africa and, as soon as we have a slot open on the calendar, that is what we are going to do," said Bernie Ecclestone, president of the Formula One Constructors' Association, in Pretoria yesterday. "I think this is going to happen in 2001."

It is also planned to stage test runs - "mini grands prix" - in 1999 and 2000, he added.

Alan Knott-Craig, the chief executive of Vodacom, who will sponsor the grand prix, said that bringing the race back to South Africa will cost more than £10 million and added that the first of the test runs is to take place next January or February. "All the cars and teams will be here next year as well as in the year 2000."

Steve Tshwete, South Africa's sports minister, said that the test runs would be big events. "We should get a groundswell of young people who show an interest."