There are social media influencers who belong to Kenya who have a thing for Formula 1. As a matter of fact, Kenya, by the tick of the clock, is experiencing a burgeoning number in its F1 fan community.
The largest of its kind F1 community in the country happens to be called “Paddock Experience”. Its members are known to spend no further than USD 2,500 for a single Formula 1 Grand Prix event.
How’s that for some devotion to Grand Prix racing?
But that is not all.
There are entrepreneurs from Nigeria and other parts of the continent, such as Gabon and Egypt, who travel to different Middle Eastern countries to watch an F1 race.
It’s not just about vile craze; passion hits you in ways you had not imagined earlier.
As it stands, there are around 4 Formula 1 events that happen in various regions of the Middle East; Saudi Arabia joining the likes of Abu Dhabi and company.
But having said that, the most popular destination for hosting an F1 race in Africa was the country dubbed in cricketing terms as the land of the “Proteas”.
The South African Grand Prix, which was held several years back in the day, at Kyalami, was the main traction point for the F1 show in the mighty continent.
Replete with fast corners and plenty of high-speed turns, the exhausting but equally impressive South African Grand Prix, most noted for Jim Clark winning on four different occasions as also for Alain Prost’s consistency, was held on no fewer than 33 occasions.
The last race, in this regard, to have taken place in South Africa was back in 1993, a period of time where even Alonso and Hamilton were youngsters.
But that was then. F1 stopped going to Africa post that.
However, today the times are changing. New faces are emerging on the horizon in a continent where the general vibe of the youth is that of a go-getter; where one wishes to lead a life of adventure, not posturing.
Which is why, somewhere it makes sense to participate in the growing hype about Formula 1 coming to Rwanda.
You read that right.
An F1 race in Rwanda.
Rwanda, that very eastern African country that is noted most for its eclectic wildlife and not to forget, for being one of the world’s last remaining habitats for the Gorilla. Now, the nation is seemingly getting excited about Formula 1.
This, truth be told, is an exciting development not only for the spirited country and its sets of fans, but also for the plans of Formula 1 to spread to wider geographies where it isn’t present as on date.
Having said that, just what are the realistic chances of Rwanda hosting an F1 race?
What can be confirmed, subject to recent reports and coverage on the fastest form of motor-racing, is that the Formula 1 chiefs or bosses have confirmed that they’d be hosting talks with key dignitaries from Rwanda on hosting a race in the future.
The talks on the same are believed to take place next month.
The prospect for a future Rwandan Grand Prix, should that be the actual name if at all a race is held, comes to life with respect to another confirmation. And it’s that later this year, Rwanda is all set to host the FIA’s revered Annual General Assembly. And that is not all; the city of Kigali, in Rwanda, will also be hosting a major prize giving ceremony.
Having said that all, F1’s CEO Mr. Stefano Domenicali pointed to a sense of optimism about these developments, stating in no uncertain terms that the number of places that are keen to host an F1 place in the post-2020 era have only increased.
At the end of the day, it would be about ensuring the best-possible way in which an event as colossal and important as Formula 1 can be hosted and sans any major concern.
Then, Rwanda will get to talk and walk the (F1) business.