Rwanda has officially entered the race to bring Formula One back to Africa, President Paul Kagame announced on Friday. Speaking ahead of the FIA Prize-Giving Ceremony in Kigali, Kagame revealed the country’s plans to host the prestigious event.
“I am happy to formally announce that Rwanda is bidding to bring the thrill of racing back to Africa by hosting a Formula One Grand Prix,” he said, addressing the FIA General Assembly.
A Return to Africa
Formula One has not held a race in Africa since the 1993 South African Grand Prix at the Kyalami Circuit near Johannesburg. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has expressed interest in returning to the continent, and talks with Rwanda have been ongoing for months.
The proposed Rwandan Grand Prix would take place on a newly designed track near the Bugesera International Airport, currently under construction about 40 kilometers from Kigali. The circuit is expected to be designed by Alexander Wurz, a former F1 driver and chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association.
Historic Occasion for FIA
The announcement coincided with the FIA General Assembly, held in Africa for the first time. The event brought together key figures in motorsport, including FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who met with Rwanda’s Minister of Sport, Richard Nyirishema, to discuss the country’s motorsport ambitions.
A Growing Spotlight on Africa
If successful, Rwanda would become a key player in motorsport on the continent, providing a fresh venue for Formula One while showcasing its development and infrastructure. The Bugesera track could set the stage for Africa’s reintegration into the global Formula One calendar.
With Rwanda’s bold bid and growing interest from the FIA and Formula One leadership, the continent’s motorsport future looks promising.
