Rwanda Secures 10-Year Deal to Bring Formula 1 Back to Africa
Formula 1 will return to the African continent for the first time since 1993, with Rwanda locking in a 10-year agreement to host a grand prix starting in the early 2030s. F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, and International Automobile Federation head Mohammed Ben Sulayem announced the landmark deal on Tuesday, according to Reuters.
The upcoming event will be officially named the African Grand Prix. It marks a long-sought return to the continent for the motorsport series, which last raced in Africa at South Africa’s Kyalami Circuit north of Johannesburg more than three decades ago.
Africa, we’re back. 🌍From the early 2030s, the African Grand Prix will join the calendar and take place in Bugesera, Rwanda 🇷🇼#F1 pic.twitter.com/c5gSRl7FNt
Bugesera Circuit Construction and Design Plans
The races will take place on a purpose-built, Grade One track currently planned for construction south of Kigali. The facility will sit alongside a new international airport under development in Bugesera, roughly 40 kilometers south of the Rwandan capital.
Austrian former racing driver Alex Wurz designed the track layout alongside long-time F1 architect Hermann Tilke. Organizers expect the finished circuit to feature a fast and flowing layout with significant elevation changes designed to keep spectators close to the racing action.
Private Sector Funding and Multi-Purpose Facility Goals
Jean-Guy Afrika, chief executive of the Rwanda Development Board, stated at a press conference that the venue will boast a 100,000-person capacity. Planners intend for the track to function as a multi-purpose facility utilized year-round for concerts and exhibitions, with financing driven primarily by the private sector and coordinated by the government.
Rwanda’s bid originated publicly two years ago under President Kagame. When the grand prix commences next decade, Rwanda will become the third African nation to host a championship round since the series began in 1950, following Morocco’s single grand prix event held outside Casablanca in 1958.
Frequently Asked Questions About the African Grand Prix
Where exactly will the new Formula 1 track be built?
The circuit is planned for Bugesera, approximately 40 kilometers south of Rwanda’s capital city, Kigali, alongside a new international airport currently under construction in the area.
When was the last time Formula 1 raced in Africa?
Formula 1 last raced on the African continent in 1993 at South Africa’s Kyalami Circuit, which is located north of Johannesburg.
Who designed the new Rwandan grand prix circuit?
The Grade One track was designed by former F1 driver Alex Wurz alongside veteran motorsport architect Hermann Tilke.
More on African Grand Prix
𝐄𝐗𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐒𝐈𝐕𝐄: 𝐑𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚 𝐬𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐚 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟑𝟎 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬• Rwanda has secured a 10-year partnership to host a Formula One Grand Prix, with the inaugural race projected for the early 2030s.• Sports… pic.twitter.com/PzYW0wa8rP
This afternoon, following the announcement of the Formula 1 African Grand Prix to take place in Rwanda, President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame hosted a luncheon, where they were joined by @fia Mohammed Ben Sulayem, @F1 Stefano Domenicali, key private… pic.twitter.com/p1i71EsDC4
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