Rwanda bids to host F1 race
Red Bull's Max Verstappen and other drivers head back to pit after red flag at the start of the Formula One Japanese Grand Prix race at Suzuka Circuit in Suzuka, Japan on April 7, 2024.
What you need to know:
- According to media reports, the circuit, to be designed by a company headed by former Austrian F1 driver Alexander Wurz, would be located near a new international airport under construction in Bugesera, some 40km from Kigali.
- Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton also said in August that the time was right for a race in Africa and that he was working behind the scenes with both Rwanda and South Africa to make it happen.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame announced his country's bid to host a Formula One race on Friday, ahead of an awards ceremony in the capital Kigali where Max Verstappen will be presented with the championship trophy for the fourth year running.
Formula One has not raced in Africa since the last South African Grand Prix in 1993 at Kyalami, north of Johannesburg.
"I am happy to formally announce that Rwanda is bidding to bring the thrill of racing back to Africa by hosting a Formula One Grand Prix," Kagame said in an opening address to the governing FIA's General Assembly.
"A big thank you to (Formula One chief executive) Stefano (Domenicali) and the entire team at F1, for the good progress in our discussions so far.
"I assure you that we are approaching this opportunity with the seriousness and commitment which it deserves. Together we will build something we can all be proud of."
Domenicali said in August that Rwanda wanted to host a race on a permanent circuit.
According to media reports, the circuit, to be designed by a company headed by former Austrian F1 driver Alexander Wurz, would be located near a new international airport under construction in Bugesera, some 40km from Kigali.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton also said in August that the time was right for a race in Africa and that he was working behind the scenes with both Rwanda and South Africa to make it happen.
"The time's 100 percent right. We can't be adding races in other locations and continue to ignore Africa, which the rest of the world just takes from. No one gives anything to Africa," said the Briton.
"I think having a Grand Prix there will really be able to highlight just how great the place is and bring in tourism and all sorts of things. Why are we not on that continent?"
The FIA is holding its General Assemblies in Africa for the first time this week, and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem of the United Arab Emirates and Rwanda's Sports Minister Richard Nyirihishema met in Kigali earlier in the day.
According to the World Federation, they discussed current and future opportunities to accelerate the development of motorsport in Rwanda.
"To be here in Rwanda for such an important moment in the FIA’s calendar is a testament to the strength of this nation, in particular its growing influence in motorsport," said Ben Sulayem.
"We are aligned on our values and shared goals across key sectors such as innovation, sustainability, and road safety, and I look forward to our continued partnership. The future of motorsport in Africa is bright."
Verstappen is also carrying out "work of public interest" in Rwanda as punishment for swearing at a Singapore Grand Prix press conference in October.
The activity involves an FIA Affordable Cross Car, built locally in Rwanda from blueprints provided by the governing body.
