Circuit Triomphal – Kinshasa

When was the track built?

The city of Kinshasa hosted two Grand Prix on different street circuits in 1956 and 1958, when it was named Leopoldville.
To revamp and enrich this heritage the new F1 Organization has worked to establish a new street circuit, designed by me, suitable for F1 on the streets of the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
It will have permanent pit and paddock facilities near the Stade des Martyrs, passing by Boulevard Triomphal and many landmarks like the People’s Palace of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

When was its first Grand Prix?

It is the first ever semi-permanent track of the Democratic Republic of Congo and it will be ready in 2023.

What’s the circuit like?

The short main straight is followed by a full-throttle bend at T1, making the four corners designed in the wide Place de la Justice the first actual braking zone and an overtaking spot.
After passing by mainly residential areas the track widens again at T9, which starts a section of fast and wide corners that revolves around the newly built Kinshasa Central African Cultural and Arts Center.
The uniquely shaped triple corner at T17/18/19 leads to the longest straight, which offers also the best chances for wheel-to-wheel action as it’s followed by a challenging tight corner.
It has some traits of a street course, but it is well balanced between slow or 90° corners and fast sections, and it guarantees high average speeds and good racing.
Temperatures are normally stable in the high twenties, but heavy showers are possible.

Where is it located?

In the heart of the city, between the Palais du Peuple, Stade des Martyrs and the airport (4°20’00.7″S 15°18’13.1″E)