Not satisfied with having several grands prix in highly questionable parts of the world, Formula 1 has said ‘hold my Amnesty International report’ and announced a new African Grand Prix in…Rwanda. Because, of course.
Expected to join the calendar ‘in the early 2030s,’ it’ll be the first race hosted on the continent since Kyalami held the South African Grand Prix in 1993.
It’ll take place at a brand-new circuit that’ll be built in Bugesera, some 40km away from the capital Kigali and ‘adjacent to’ its new international airport.
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The track—which you can see rendered in the image up top—has been designed by former F1 driver Alex Wurz, and is “designed to work in harmony with the natural landscape, using the area’s elevation changes to create a unique and challenging racing experience while delivering exceptional viewing opportunities for fans.”
Once up and running, the African Grand Prix will be on the calendar for 10 years. We don’t yet know where the race will slot into the schedule.
“Today is a landmark moment for Formula 1,” said F1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali. “With Rwanda joining the calendar from the next decade, our sport will race in every inhabited continent, bringing the World Championship closer than ever to fans around the globe.
“This is about much more than hosting a grand prix. Together, we can create lasting economic and social benefits through tourism, investment, skills development and local business growth, ensuring the positive impact of this event is felt for generations.”
Let’s hope so. Amnesty International says Rwandan authorities continue to ‘suppress dissenting voices across political, civil society and labor sectors’ and the nation’s president—who has held office since 2000—won the most recent election with 99.18% of the vote. Which seems as likely as Lance Stroll winning Driver of the Day by a landslide.
Ahem. Has F1 plumbed new depths, or can the sport be a genuine source of change? Leave your unexpectedly-deep-for-a-Wednesday thoughts in the comments…
NOTE: This story first appeared on TopGear.com. Minor edits have been made.
