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Rwanda To Host F1’s First Race In Africa Since 1993
Rwanda has signed a 10-year deal with Formula 1 to host races in the African country, starting “in the early 2030s”.
The event – to be called the African Grand Prix – will be held on a new, purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, 25 miles south of the capital Kigali and next to the city’s new international airport. It will be the first F1 race in Africa since 1993.
A statement from F1 said the project came as a 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, designed by the former F1 driver Alex Wurz, has been “designed 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,” the statement added.
F1 hopes the race will provide an opportunity for the sport to expand its profile in Africa, a relatively unexplored market compared to Europe, Asia and the Americas.
It has not yet been established where the race may best fit into the schedule during the year.
The race is likely to be controversial as Rwanda has previously been accused of sportswashing.
use its influence with the Rwandan authorities to push for change, rather than lend its brand to a PR exercise.”
The track’s build process will be overseen by three companies, with long-time F1 track architect Tilke and DAR working alongside WurzDesign as the creator of the circuit.
It is designed to be fast and flowing, with significant elevation change, using the natural contours of Rwanda’s hilly landscape.
The first grand prix in Africa was the final round of the World Championship in Morocco in 1958.
South Africa hosted a race during the apartheid era – from 1960-66 in East London, now known as KuGompo City, before the race moved to Kyalami near Johannesburg from 1976-85.
Kyalami returned for two races in 1992 and 1993 as apartheid was coming to an end.
The country has held talks with F1 in recent years about a return at various venues, including Kyalami and Cape Town, but a deal has not proved possible.
Credit: Andrew Benson
