Formula One returns to Africa with Rwanda Grand Prix deal

Summarised from 5 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 11:08 · Archive

Formula One will race in Rwanda from the early 2030s in a 10-year deal, the sport's first African Grand Prix since 1993.

Formula One has confirmed it will return to Africa with a 10-year agreement signed with Rwanda to host the African Grand Prix, starting in the early 2030s. This marks the sport's first race on the continent since 1993, when the last Grand Prix was held in South Africa at Kyalami.

The new purpose-built circuit will be constructed in Bugesera, 25 miles south of Rwanda's capital Kigali, adjacent to the country's new international airport. According to all outlets, the circuit has been designed by former F1 driver Alex Wurz to work in harmony with the natural landscape, using elevation changes to create a unique racing experience and exceptional viewing opportunities for spectators.

The announcement comes after years of campaigning by Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, who has consistently called for Formula One to return to the African continent. The deal addresses this long-standing call from Hamilton for greater representation of Africa in the sport's calendar.

F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali said: 'Today is a landmark moment for Formula One. With Rwanda joining the calendar from the next decade, our sport will race in every inhabited continent, bringing the world championship closer than ever to fans around the globe.' He added that F1 is committed to returning 'in the right way, with the right partner, a long-term commitment and a clear vision for creating meaningful impact'.

Rwanda president Paul Kagame stated that the agreement 'belongs to Africa'. He said: 'For more than three decades, the world's premier motorsport championship has raced without this continent, and that changes with this agreement. The circuit in Bugesera, alongside the new international airport, will bring jobs, skills, tourism and new business to our country and our region for decades to come.' Kagame added that Rwanda's aim was 'never a single race weekend, but a lasting benefit for our people'.

Domenicali noted that Africa is home to more than 100 million Formula One fans, and that number continues to grow. The race will be sponsored by Visit Rwanda, the state-backed tourism board, which has an expanding portfolio of sports sponsorships including Arsenal and Aston Villa in football, and Paris Saint-Germain in European football.

The BBC reports that the race timing is yet to be determined, with F1 wanting to avoid the main rain season from March to May, though there is a shorter rain season from October to November. The exact year the race will start remains to be finalised, though outlets agree it will be in the early 2030s, with some suggesting around 2032. FIA president Mohamed Ben Sulayem called the agreement 'an historic moment for the sport' and praised Rwanda's demonstrated commitment to delivering a world-class event.

How it is being reported

• Formula 1 to return to Africa as 10-year deal for Rwanda race signedFormula 1 will return to Africa after it was confirmed Rwanda will host races from the early 2030s.Sky Sports · 13 Oct, 11:06
• F1 returns to Africa for first time since 1993 with 10-year Rwanda deal from ‘early 2030s’African Grand Prix will take place at new track near Kigali Stefano Domenicali: ‘Today is a landmark moment for F1’ Formula One has answered Lewis Hamilton’s call to have a race in Africa after the sport’s bosses announced Rwanda is set to join the calendar. The seven-time world champion Hamilton has long since challenged F1 to return to the continent, with the last race staged there in 1993. And F1 confirmed on Tuesday a new 10-year deal with Rwanda, which will start in the “early 2030s”. Continue reading...The Guardian · 13 Oct, 10:50
• Formula 1 set for Africa return after 40 years with Rwanda raceFormula 1 will return to Africa for the first time in 40 years after the sport signed a 10-year deal with Rwanda. The East African nation will join the Formula 1 calendar in the early 2030s with a purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, south of the capital Kigali. Rwanda has beaten the likes of South Africa [...]City AM · 13 Oct, 10:35
• Rwanda to host F1's first race in Africa since 1993Rwanda signs a 10-year deal with Formula 1 to host races in the African country, starting "in the early 2030s".BBC News · 13 Oct, 10:20
• Formula One end 39-year wait for an African Grand Prix with controversial new race in RWANDA - after years of Lewis Hamilton demandsFormula One will stride back into Africa for the first time since 1993, with a race confirmed in Rwanda from approximately 2032 in a 10-season deal.Daily Mail Sport · 13 Oct, 10:13

In this story: Lewis Hamilton · Stefano Domenicali · Paul Kagame · Rwanda · Kigali · Bugesera · Formula One · FIA

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