Hamilton backs Grand Prix in Africa amid Rwanda talks

AFP | Zandvoort

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton yesterday gave his “100 percent” backing to a Grand Prix in Africa, with Formula One bosses poised for talks over staging a race in Rwanda. “Why are we not on that continent?” Hamilton asked when quizzed about including an African stop on the Grand Prix circuit.

F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali has set up a meeting next month with representatives from Rwanda, who have put forward a “serious” proposal. Africa has not hosted a Grand Prix since 1993 in South Africa, but Domenicali said F1 bosses needed to weigh up several factors. “We want to go to Africa, but we need to have the right investment, and the right strategic plan,” Domenicali told Motorsport.com.

But Hamilton said it was “100 percent the right time” to bring racing to Africa. “We can’t be adding races in other locations and continue to ignore Africa, which the rest of the world just takes from. No one gives anything to Africa,” said Hamilton.

“I think having a Grand Prix there will be able to highlight just how great the place is and bring in tourism and all sorts of things,” he added. Hamilton told reporters he had been working behind the scenes and had spoken to officials in Rwanda -- “one of my favourite places I’ve ever been to” -- and South Africa.