Rwanda bidding to host a Formula 1 grand prix, says President Paul Kagame
Rwandan President Paul Kagame said the country is bidding to host the Formula One Grand Prix.
F1 is keen to stage races in Africa and talks with Rwanda have been known for months.
F1’s governing body, the FIA, is holding a conference and awards ceremony in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, and Kagame chose to put his official stamp on the Grand Prix project at the opening ceremony of the conference.
Kagame said: “I am delighted to officially announce that Rwanda is working hard to bring the excitement of racing back to Africa by hosting the Formula 1 Grand Prix.
“A big thank you to (F1 president) Stefano Domenicali and the entire F1 team for the good progress we’ve had in our discussions so far.
“I assure you that we will treat this opportunity with the seriousness and commitment it deserves.”
If an agreement can be reached, the race will be held at a new circuit planned close to the track new bugesera airport, external Outside Kigali.
The track designer is Alexander Wurz, a former F1 driver and president of the Grand Prix Drivers Association.
Wurz’s company has been working with local consultants, companies and authorities on the track for more than a year. The track is fast and flowing, follows the lake and takes advantage of the area’s hilly terrain.
Wurz is also designing the new Qiddiyah circuit in Saudi Arabia, which is expected to be completed in 2028 and host the Grand Prix in 2029.
F1 had previously tried to revive the Grand Prix at South Africa’s Kalami circuit, which last hosted a grand prix in 1993, but talks broke down due to issues with local organizers.
The Rwandan project is currently considered the most likely to host the African Grand Prix, but it has yet to be confirmed.
FIA President Mohamed bin Sulayem met with Rwandan Sports Minister Richard Nirishema at the congress.
Ben Sulayem said: “Being able to spend such an important moment in the FIA calendar in Rwanda is testament to the strength of the country, particularly its growing influence in motorsport.
“Our values and shared goals are aligned in key areas such as innovation, sustainability and road safety and I look forward to our continued collaboration. The future of motorsport in Africa is bright.”
