Photo via The Race

What one image can't show you about Rwanda F1 track

The newly revealed Rise Motordrome in Rwanda, set to host the African Grand Prix from the early 2030s, has sparked debate among fans after its initial render failed to capture the track’s true complexity. While the image alone left some questioning its potential for overtaking, designer Alex Wurz—former Formula 1 driver and Le Mans winner—emphasizes the circuit’s dynamic features, including a lap-high elevation change and sharp gradients.

Turn 2 alone showcases a 10.8% downhill descent into a 12% banked corner, followed by a 14% uphill climb, creating a sequence that Wurz describes as ‘pure joy’ in simulation. The track’s design prioritizes driver engagement, with wide-open corners and sequences that encourage aggressive maneuvering, though Wurz notes that overtaking remains unpredictable due to factors like tire degradation and qualifying outcomes.

Another highlight is the transition from a canopy corner over a crest into a lake, where a 10% compression leads into fast, technical Esses—corners Wurz believes will resonate with both fans and drivers alike.

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