Prince George Circuit
Eastern Cape Province, South Africa · 3 races held
Race History
About Prince George Circuit
The Prince George Circuit was a fast seaside road course laid out on public roads at East London, on South Africa's Eastern Cape coast. Racing had taken place in the area since the 1930s, and the venue hosted the country's first round of the Formula 1 world championship when the South African Grand Prix was added to the schedule.
It staged three championship Grands Prix, in 1962, 1963 and 1965, before the South African round moved inland to the purpose-built Kyalami circuit near Johannesburg. Despite its short F1 tenure, East London delivered one of the era's most dramatic title showdowns and remains a notable footnote in the sport's expansion beyond Europe.
Memorable Moments
- 1962: The season-deciding finale saw Jim Clark dominate until an engine failure forced him out, handing victory and the world championship to Graham Hill and BRM.
- 1963: Jim Clark, already crowned champion, took a commanding win for Lotus, capping one of the great dominant seasons of the 1.5-litre era.
- 1965: Clark won again at the season opener for Lotus, en route to his second world title, in the circuit's final F1 appearance.
Track Character
Prince George was a quick, flowing circuit of public roads that ran close to the Indian Ocean, combining a long main straight with sweeping bends that placed a premium on engine power, aerodynamic stability and bravery. As an open road course of its time, it offered little run-off and demanded total commitment, while the coastal setting and enthusiastic local crowds gave the South African Grand Prix a distinctive character before the race relocated to Kyalami.