Formula One is eyeing a return to Africa, with South Africa and Rwanda as main contenders. South Africa seeks to host a Grand Prix through Cape Town’s street circuit or the historic Kyalami racetrack. Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie is optimistic about the bid, which has the support of Lewis Hamilton. Alternatively, Rwanda has a strong proposal, enhancing competition for the event.
Formula One is considering a comeback to Africa, with South Africa and Rwanda as the primary contenders to host the next Grand Prix. Thirty years since the last Grand Prix in 1993, South Africa is vying to organize the event again, with a potential street circuit in Cape Town and the historical Kyalami racetrack near Johannesburg both in competition. A committee led by Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie is expected to make a decision by the third quarter of the year regarding the chosen site.
Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie expressed confidence in South Africa’s bid, stating, “The Grand Prix is definitely coming in 2027, no doubt about that.” The potential return of Formula One to South Africa is significant, marking its first Grand Prix since the end of apartheid. This competition evokes nostalgia for past races and legendary drivers, notably Alain Prost’s victory in 1993, the last race held on African soil.
Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, has championed the return of an African Grand Prix, emphasizing Africa’s exclusion from the expansion of the sport. An expert in motorsport studies, Samuel Tickell, suggested that returning to South Africa signifies a crucial step back to historic locations for Formula One. The Kyalami circuit, with its vibrant South African flag painted along the track, requires upgrades but holds substantial potential for hosting the event.
The alternative proposal from Rwanda involves a street circuit winding through Cape Town, recognized as the “best city in the world” by Time Out magazine. This course, which has successfully hosted a Formula E race, is touted by Cape Town Grand Prix CEO Igshaan Amlay as an opportunity to produce a track that would rival Monaco. Nonetheless, Rwanda’s involvement with the FIA and Liberty Media signals strong intentions from the central African nation regarding its bid.
Rwanda’s strategy is fortified by its existing sponsorships with notable sports teams, positioning it as a serious contender. Meanwhile, Morocco has aspirations of its own to host a Formula One event on the continent. The competitive landscape suggests that Africa could potentially host more than one Grand Prix, as articulated by Minister McKenzie, who questioned why only one race should be prioritized in Africa.
In summary, the revival of Formula One in Africa is highly anticipated, with both South Africa and Rwanda positioning themselves as strong candidates. The selection committee is expected to announce the chosen venue soon. Regardless of the outcome, the re-establishment of a Grand Prix in Africa marks a pivotal opportunity for the continent in the global motorsport arena, celebrating both its history and future potential in the sport.
Original Source: sports.ndtv.com
