A full-scale replica of the BWT Racing Point Formula 1 car was unveiled in Kenya on Sunday at the 54th Africa Concours d’Elegance. The car, which drew significant attention, is a replica of the 2019 Racing Point RP19 that competed in the Formula 1 championship. The original car was driven by Mexican driver Sergio Pérez and Canadian Lance Stroll. Although the displayed car is not the original, it features the same design and livery as the RP19.
The 2019 Racing Point team had a notable season, finishing seventh in the constructors' championship. Sergio Pérez finished the drivers' championship in 10th position. The actual RP19 was powered by a Mercedes 1.6-litre V6 turbo-hybrid engine. In contrast, the replica on display in Kenya does not have a functioning engine. The car's presence at the Concours d’Elegance, an event typically celebrating classic cars, brought a taste of the world's premier single-seater championship to Kenya.
The Concours d’Elegance, held at Ngong Racecourse, is a prominent motorsport event in Kenya. This year's 54th edition saw the debut of the Racing Point Formula 1 car, marking a significant moment for motorsport enthusiasts in the country. The event showcases a variety of classic and high-performance vehicles, attracting car enthusiasts and collectors.
Kenya briefly found itself at the heart of Formula 1 seven years ago. Although the country is not a regular host of Formula 1 events, the debut of the Racing Point car has reignited interest in the sport. The presence of a Formula 1 car at a local motorsport event highlights the growing appeal of high-performance vehicles in Kenya.
The Standard Group Plc, a leading multi-media house in Kenya, covered the event. As a key influencer in national and international matters, the group provided extensive media coverage of the Concours d’Elegance and the debut of the Racing Point Formula 1 car. Their reporting helped bring the event to a wider audience.
The Racing Point RP19's performance in the 2019 championship was notable, with Pérez scoring points consistently throughout the season. The car's seventh-place finish in the constructors' championship demonstrated its competitiveness. Although the replica on display is not a functioning vehicle, it serves as a reminder of the car's achievements on the track.
The debut of the Racing Point Formula 1 car in Kenya marks a unique intersection of motorsport and classic car culture. The event has sparked interest among local car enthusiasts, who appreciate the opportunity to see high-performance vehicles up close. As motorsport continues to grow in Kenya, events like the Concours d’Elegance play a crucial role in promoting the sport.
Key points
- The 2019 Racing Point team finished seventh in the constructors' championship.
- The displayed car is a full-scale replica of the 2019 Racing Point RP19.
- The Concours d’Elegance is a prominent motorsport event in Kenya celebrating classic cars.
