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You will not have missed it; the MotoGP world championship does not pass on the five continents. Indeed, since 2004, Africa is no longer represented, and we find that a shame. This continent with exponential growth would largely deserve a race, because there are many enthusiasts there; today, let's look at the question through the study of a little-known circuit in Europe.

 

Why a MotoGP Grand Prix in Africa would make sense

 

First of all, Africa is not unknown to the world of Grand Prix. Throughout history, many more than talented, sometimes legendary, riders have had close ties with the African continent; sometimes they were born there, sometimes they lived there. We think of all the Rhodesians, a country linked to the history of motorcycle GPs that we will study in detail in a few days. Among them, Ray Amm, Jim Redman and Gary Hocking, 500cc world champion in 1961.

Of course, it’s impossible not to mention the South Africans, on two wheels (Kork Ballington, Jon Ekerold…) or four, like Jody Scheckter, Formula 1 world champion in 1979. In any case, motor sports have often been concentrated in the South of the continent, until recently. We count 10 editions of the South African Grand Prix contested on the legendary Kyalami track (between Johannesburg and Pretoria), but also on the Phakisa Freeway, not far from Welkom, a town of just over 60 inhabitants located in the middle of nowhere.

 

MotoGP race

There is also, of course, the Kyalami circuit in South Africa.

 

Without even mentioning the Formula 1 Moroccan Grand Prix or the legendary Paris-Dakar, We understand that motor sports are not new for Africans ; it would make sense to come back to it. Besides, F1 does not set foot there either. Discussions were underway with the Kyalami circuit but the situation remains at a standstill. Thus, it would be interesting, for once, to get ahead of this championship that swallows everything in its path, by paying tribute to a passionate continent, where small-cylinder motorized transport is legion. Moreover, some countries are setting up their own companies dedicated to the design of electric two-wheelers.

With a young population, it would be possible to offer a beautiful show in a different setting, which would make the MotoGP championship even richer, diverse, and exciting. Clearly, this would only have advantages.

 

A little-known circuit

 

The problem of infrastructure often comes up with the African continent. Regardless of the discipline, athletes generally complain about stadiums once you leave South Africa and the Maghreb. However, in Senegal, a completely original and viable circuit was born in 2008 ; the Dakar Baobabs route (hence the cover photo), designed by Jean-André Collard and approved by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile in 2009.

The track is interesting and allows the Senegalese to benefit from a solid, original and oh so precious infrastructure in West Africa; it is the the only permanent circuit approved in this growing region of the world. Known to be very technical (see route at the bottom of the article), it hosts the 6 Hours of Dakar every year, an event consisting of two three-hour rounds which has established itself permanently in the Senegalese sporting landscape.

 

MotoGP race

The Baobab circuit, located in Senegal. An interesting route.

 

So, of course, work would be necessary to bring the circuit up to the standards required by the MotoGP but we must also promote these initiatives that can greatly benefit both parties. Its setting would make it a Grand Prix apart; located in the commune of Sindia in the Thiès region, we are both close to Dakar, the capital, but also and above all a stone's throw from the Atlantic Ocean and the Blaise-Diagne international airport. Even more original, the route is located a few kilometers from the Bandia nature reserve, which is full of protected animals.

Even if there are some adjustments to be made, there is definitely a way to realize the dream of millions by setting foot on this magnificent land, of an ochre color that would really contrast with the rest of the calendar. As in Southeast Asia, there is no doubt that the Senegalese would appreciate the spectacle and would know how to welcome the World Cup as it should beAs proof, the grand return of the Safari Rally WRC to Kenya in 2021, a must-see among must-sees, brings a different touch that allows this championship to assert itself even more internationally.

 

Other opportunities

 

Even if African markets currently weigh less than others on the international level, It is impossible to deny that a dynamic is being created. In the north, first, with Morocco. The Arab country will be co-organizer of the 2030 Football World Cup, with Spain and Portugal. Infrastructure is developing more and more, and Formula 1, in the past, has already set its wheels on these lands. It would not be illogical to go there.

Speaking of Formula 1, the question of a GP in Africa has also been around for a long time. Under the leadership of Lewis Hamilton – who has been campaigning for this for a while – the FIA ​​and Liberty Media could turn to the Rwanda, which, for several years, has launched a gigantic communication plan. Having a Formula 1 GP, and, why not, a motorcycle Grand Prix could allow it to strengthen its soft-powerThis track is currently under study, but nothing has been done yet because no circuit exists at the moment.

Did you know the Dakar Baobabs circuit? Would you be inclined to see an African Grand Prix, and why not in Senegal? Tell us in the comments!

 

The Dakar Baobabs circuit is a unique setting. We are not used to seeing that.