African contenders 'fight' for F1 slot amid multiple bids

Multiple projects across Africa are vying to secure a future Formula 1 Grand Prix, with intense competition emerging on the continent.

This year's FIA prize gala will be held in Rwanda, where the East African nation is also pursuing a bid to host a Grand Prix. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has called the race proposal a "good plan."

However, concerns have been raised over Rwanda's suitability, not just due to the current and worsening Marburg virus outbreak, but also because of the nation's economic challenges.

"A country whose GDP is made up 40 percent by Western aid should not be allowed in Formula 1," an anonymous F1 team boss told Auto Bild.

South Africa is also advancing its own bid to bring F1 back to the continent. The country's sports minister, Gayton McKenzie, spoke to The South African newspaper, saying, "I can tell you this – F1 is definitely coming.

"F1 told us they're keen to come, they told us what they'll need to come, and we are going to give them what they need to come."

The last time a Grand Prix took place on African soil was in 1993, at the Kyalami circuit near Johannesburg. Minister McKenzie indicated that there is still a "big fight" about which South African city might host the race.

"Is it Cape Town, or is it Joburg? That decision has not been taken," he explained.