Rwanda's RISE Motordrome Set to Feature Iconic F1 Corner
Former F1 driver Alex Wurz has highlighted a corner at the new RISE Motordrome in Rwanda that could become iconic. The track is set to reinstate Africa on the F1 calendar in the early 2030s, ending a decades-long absence.
Former Formula 1 driver Alex Wurz has pinpointed a corner of the RISE Motordrome that he believes could become the 'iconic' feature of the upcoming African Grand Prix in Rwanda. Wurz's design firm is collaborating with Tilke Engineering to bring this new F1 track to life.
The announcement of F1's return to Africa, with the African Grand Prix slated for the early 2030s, marks the end of nearly 40 years away from the continent, with the last event being the South African Grand Prix in 1993. The layout of the RISE Motordrome, revealed to a select group of media, draws inspiration from legendary circuits like Spa Francorchamps and Suzuka, featuring a twisting design with a remarkable 197 meters of elevation change.
When asked to single out a potentially 'iconic' corner, Wurz pointed to the start of the lap. "While I hope all 17 corners become iconic, Turn 2 stands out," the former Benetton driver explained. "You approach at top speed downhill, experiencing over 10% descent into a compression, where you'll feel significant vertical and lateral G-forces. The corner then transitions to a 12% incline, and as you exit, you'll be climbing a hill at nearly 240 km/h, facing the sky with a 15% incline."
This particular segment of the track excites Wurz, who can't wait to see how it plays out in races. With recent F1 tracks criticized for producing less overtaking, Wurz is optimistic about the passing opportunities at this new venue. "Turn 2 is designed to allow side-by-side racing through the entire corner, leading into a technical section that challenges both engineers and drivers with its camber and hill play," he added.
The track also features a visually stunning, fast-flowing section along the lakefront, comprising multiple interconnected corners. Wurz notes that missing a single corner in this sequence makes the entire lap significantly more challenging, adding to the technical and visual allure of the circuit. "The design aims to make this track a favorite among drivers," Wurz concluded.
With Rwanda's addition to the F1 calendar, the RISE Motordrome is set to become a standout venue, promising not just iconic corners but a challenging and picturesque racing experience.