Rwanda to host Formula 1 African Grand Prix from early 2030s

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 12:02 · Archive

Rwanda has signed a 10-year deal to host Formula 1 racing in the early 2030s, the first African Grand Prix since 1993.

Rwanda has signed a 10-year deal to bring Formula 1 racing back to Africa in the early 2030s. The African Grand Prix will be held on a new, purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, 25 miles south of Kigali, next to the city's new international airport. It will be the first Formula 1 race in Africa since 1993, when the last Grand Prix was held near Johannesburg in South Africa.

Rwanda president Paul Kagame announced the agreement at a ceremony in Kigali on Tuesday morning. He said: 'Today belongs to Africa. For more than three decades, the world's premier motorsport championship has raced without this continent. Rwanda is proud to host the Formula 1 African Grand Prix, and to share this moment with more than 100 million fans across Africa.'

Formula 1 described the project as the result of 'years of collaboration to ensure the right foundations, with the best partner, are in place to deliver a successful, sustainable and world-class grand prix for generations to come'. The circuit was designed by former F1 driver Alex Wurz to 'work in harmony with the natural landscape, using the area's elevation changes to create a unique and challenging racing experience while delivering exceptional viewing opportunities for fans'.

F1 hopes the race will expand its profile in Africa, described as a relatively unexplored market compared with Europe, Asia and the Americas. The race's position in the annual schedule has not yet been determined.

How it is being reported

• F1 announce controversial return to Africa in 'landmark' 10-year dealRwanda has signed a 10-year deal to bring Formula 1 racing back to Africa in the early 2030s for the first time since 1993.Oxford Mail · 13 Oct, 11:43
• F1 announce controversial return to Africa in 'landmark' 10-year dealRwanda has signed a 10-year deal to bring Formula 1 racing back to Africa in the early 2030s for the first time since 1993.Oxfordshire Guardian · 13 Oct, 11:43

In this story: Rwanda · Paul Kagame · Formula 1 · Kigali · Alex Wurz · Africa

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