P1racenews AI automatic summary:
A Democratic Republic of Congo official has urged F1 to cancel talks with Rwanda regarding a potential race amid the ongoing dispute between the two countries.
The active conflict in the region revolves around the allegations that Rwandan forces have been supporting the M23 movement, a rebel group based in North Kivu. Despite Rwanda’s denials, recent events, such as the M23 taking control of Goma and causing significant casualties, continue to escalate the situation. Rwanda has been eager to host an F1 race, with President Paul Kagame leading the bid for a race near the Bugesera International Airport. On the other hand, DRC’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, has urged F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali not to engage in talks with Rwanda due to the ongoing conflict in the region. F1 has stated that it is closely monitoring the situation and will make decisions based on the host nation’s compliance with the sport’s values. Rwanda’s efforts to expand its international visibility through sports partnerships, such as with football clubs like Arsenal and PSG, have now extended to bidding for an F1 race to bring the sport back to Africa, despite facing competition from South Africa.
