Formula 1 has announced the signing of a ten-year agreement with the government of Rwanda for the celebration of the Africa Grand Prix, which will take place in the capital, Kigali, starting from 2030.
The competition will move to a newly constructed natural circuit located 40 km south of Kigali, near the under-construction Bugesera International Airport. The first edition of the race, titled ‘Formula 1 Africa Grand Prix, presented by Visit Rwanda’, could be held as soon as 2030, depending on the completion of the track works.
An anticipated return to Africa
Regardless of the start date, the agreement is considered a 10-year commitment that will allow F1 to return to the African continent for the first time since the South Africa Grand Prix in 1993. The official announcement was made on Tuesday at a press conference in Kigali, where Rwandan President Paul Kagame, F1 CEO and President Stefano Domenicali, and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem were present.
The Bugesera circuit
The Bugesera circuit is the result of collaboration between Tilke Engineering & Architects, former F1 driver Alex Wurz, and his design company WurzDesign, as well as the engineering consultancy DAR. The track will utilize the natural terrain to create a spectator area where viewers can enjoy cars facing a challenge of 6 km and 17 corners, with elevation changes of about 197 m per lap. This initiative is part of a broader investment plan by the Rwandan Development Board in tourism, infrastructure, and commercial development.
President Kagame expressed Rwanda’s excitement about hosting the event: ‘Today is Africa’s day. After more than thirty years, the world’s most important motorsport championship returns to the continent, and we are proud to share this moment with over 100 million African fans.’
A long-term impact
Domenicali highlighted the importance of this agreement, stating it will help create lasting economic and social benefits through tourism, investment, and skills development. ‘Africa is home to over 100 million F1 fans, and this number continues to grow rapidly,’ he added.
Ben Sulayem emphasized the importance of the F1’s return to Africa, considering it a historic moment for the sport and an important step in the global expansion of motorsport. ‘Rwanda has demonstrated a strong commitment to hosting a world-class event,’ he stated.
Discussions between F1 and Rwanda to host a race intensified in 2024, as the African nation seeks to attract major sporting events to boost tourism and business. In recent years, Kigali has hosted various international events, such as the UCI World Cycling Championships.
F1 fans, including drivers like Lewis Hamilton, have expressed their support for a return of the competition to the African continent. Hamilton has been a long-time advocate for this cause, highlighting the importance of having F1 in Africa and his dedication to promoting this idea.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
