F1 Eyes Return of Grand Prix in Africa; South Africa and Rwanda Compete
South Africa is bidding to host a Formula One Grand Prix for the first time since 1993, with Lewis Hamilton supporting the return to Africa. Competing venues include a street circuit in Cape Town and Kyalami near Johannesburg. The decision will be made in 2023, with Rwanda also vying for the event, highlighting the growing significance of the African motorsport scene.
South Africa is making a strong bid to host the first Formula One Grand Prix in Africa since 1993, with support from seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. The competition to host the event is between a street circuit in Cape Town and the historic Kyalami race track near Johannesburg. A committee led by Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie will determine the winning location later this year.
Minister McKenzie expressed confidence in South Africa’s prospects, asserting that the Grand Prix will definitely return by 2027, regardless of whether it is in Cape Town or Johannesburg. The Kyalami circuit, which previously hosted thrilling races, boasts a substantial South African flag painted on its track, symbolizing national pride.
Post-apartheid, South Africa seeks to rekindle its F1 legacy with Hamilton emphasizing the importance of including Africa in the Formula One calendar. The sport’s current owners, Liberty Media, aim for global expansion, making a return to South Africa significant for its history and cultural context.
Expert Samuel Tickell noted the historical importance of F1 in South Africa, recalling events like Niki Lauda’s strike in 1982. He argued that returning F1 to South Africa would be a vital acknowledgment of the country’s long-standing motorsport heritage. The F1 calendar has room for more races, bolstering the argument for an African Grand Prix.
Financial hurdles associated with hosting the event are not seen as prohibitive, according to Simon Chadwick, an expert on sports economics. He pointed out that many nations see strategic benefits in hosting major sports events, independent of their immediate commercial viability, as seen in China’s investments in African sports infrastructure in exchange for resource access.
Rwanda has emerged as a rival contender for the Grand Prix, with its President Paul Kagame actively engaging with F1 officials. Cape Town’s street circuit has the potential to surpass the glamour of Monaco, while Rwanda’s growing influence in global sports sponsorships positions it favorably. However, Rwanda’s political involvement in regional conflicts may pose risks to its bid.
Lastly, Morocco has aspirations to host F1 races as well. The South African sports minister advocates for multiple Grand Prix events in Africa, challenging the notion that only one location should be selected. The evolving dynamics suggest that multiple cities could potentially host races on the continent in the future.
In summary, South Africa and Rwanda are key competitors for the revival of Formula One in Africa, aiming to host the Grand Prix after 30 years. With support from figures like Lewis Hamilton, South Africa is optimistic about securing the race by 2027. Meanwhile, Rwanda’s growing sports sponsorship portfolio adds to the competitive landscape, while financial concerns may not impede both countries’ ambitions. The outcome remains uncertain but highlights the continent’s potential for hosting international motorsport events.
Original Source: sports.ndtv.com
