I'm talking to you about a time that those under 20 cannot know. Neither do those under 30. While F1 had not set up its enormous paddocks on African soil since 1993 in South Africa, the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, announced this Friday that his country would apply to organize a race of Formula 1 which would take place in the capital, Kigali.
“I am happy to officially announce that Rwanda is applying to bring back the thrill of motor racing to Africa, by hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix,” the president declared at the opening of the general assembly of the International Motorsport Federation (FIA) in Kigali.
A new “sportswashing” maneuver?
The Rwandan leader hailed the holding of this annual FIA congress on the continent as an “important step”. According to him, it marks “the motorsport industry’s aim to connect directly with fans and aspiring drivers in Africa”. In August, F1 chiefs confirmed ongoing discussions with Rwanda regarding hosting a Grand Prix, and its chief executive Stefano Domenicali stressed the country was a “serious” option.
Opponents of Paul Kagame accuse his administration of practicing “sportswashing”, that is to say of using high-profile international events to improve its reputation, while covering up serious human rights violations, muzzling freedom of expression and restricting freedoms.
