By Courtesy/ Formula1
Formula One will return to Africa for the first time since 1993 after signing a 10-year agreement to host the African Grand Prix in Rwanda from the early 2030s.
The deal, announced on Tuesday, will see a purpose-built circuit developed in Bugesera, about 40 kilometres south of the capital, Kigali, and near the new Kigali International Airport.
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The race, to be known as the Formula 1 African Grand Prix, presented by Visit Rwanda, will join the championship calendar once construction of the circuit is completed. The inaugural race date has yet to be announced.
The circuit will be built to meet the FIA’s Grade 1 standards, which are required to host Formula One races. The project forms part of Rwanda’s wider ambitions to expand its sports, tourism, infrastructure and business sectors.
Formula One president and chief executive Stefano Domenicali described the agreement as a landmark moment, saying the return would bring the championship closer to millions of African fans.
“Africa has always been part of Formula One’s future, and from the beginning we were determined to return in the right way, with the right partner, a long-term commitment and a clear vision for creating meaningful impact,” Domenicali said.
He added that the project was expected to generate economic and social benefits through tourism, investment, skills development and business growth.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame said the agreement was an investment in the country’s future, with the circuit expected to create jobs and open opportunities for local businesses.
“Our aim was never a single race weekend, but a lasting benefit for our people,” Kagame said.
The venue is also expected to operate beyond race weekends, hosting other motorsport events, conferences, entertainment and international gatherings.
Formula One said Africa has more than 100 million fans, with almost 60 per cent of fans in key sub-Saharan African markets aged below 35.
The return will end a more than three-decade absence of Formula One from the continent. The championship last raced in Africa at South Africa’s Kyalami circuit in 1993.
The Rwanda deal also places the East African country among destinations seeking to use major sporting events to attract international visitors, investment and global attention.
Further details on the circuit’s construction schedule, the inaugural race and the race-weekend programme are expected to be announced later.
Editor’s note: This story was first published here: https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/formula-1-returns-to-africa-with-10-year-agreement-to-race-in-rwanda.13xs9VMK7cGFiBd2IplyES
