President Paul Kagame, alongside Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the President of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), unveiled the "Cross Car", a racing car made in Rwanda by students from IPRC Kigali.
The event took place Thursday evening, December 12, 2024, at the Kigali Convention Centre, at the ongoing FIA General Assembly scheduled to conclude tomorrow.
The car, built over the past month by the students in collaboration with an FIA technician, was showcased with the participation of key figures, including Christian Gakwaya, President of the Rwanda Automobile Racing Club (RAC).
This "Cross Car" is set to be tested by Dutch Formula One champion Max Verstappen, as part of a FIA community service penalty imposed on him as a punishment for using unacceptable language during the pre-event press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix last September.
After the unveiling, a reception was held at the Convention Centre, bringing together political leaders, sports celebrities, and other dignitaries, including Steve Harvey, to celebrate the FIA's 120th anniversary.
The "Cross Car" is a compact, specialized vehicle with several critical features such as a protective racing seat, reinforced safety structures, race-specific tires, and a unique design for driver protection in case of accidents.
Its safety features include a six-point harness system and a window opening for entry and exit. The vehicle is operated with a manual transmission and requires specific skills and training, as it differs significantly from regular rally cars.
The sport of Cross Car racing is growing in Rwanda, with plans to purchase more vehicles and kick-start local championships to further develop the motorsport scene in the country.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/kagame-and-fia-president-unveil-rwanda-made-cross-racing-car
