Rwanda is officially bidding to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix, President Paul Kagame announced ahead of the FIA prize-giving ceremony in Kigali on Friday.
The country has reportedly made “good progress” in talks with F1, signaling the potential return of the sport to Africa after a 31-year hiatus since the 1993 South African Grand Prix.
“I am happy to formally announce that Rwanda is bidding to bring the thrill of racing back to Africa, by hosting a Formula 1 grand prix,” Kagame said.
“A big thank you to Stefano Domenicali and the entire team at F1 for the good progress in our discussions so far.”
Kagame revealed Rwanda’s serious approach to the opportunity, noting that the government is committed to ensuring the event would be something the entire continent could be proud of.
“Together we will build something that we can all be proud of,” he added.
The plans are centered around a new permanent circuit, to be built near the upcoming Bugesera airport, about 40 kilometers south of Kigali.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali had previously described the country’s proposal as “serious” in an interview earlier this year. However, the inclusion of a Rwandan Grand Prix on a future calendar remains uncertain.
“I assure you we are approaching this opportunity with the seriousness and commitment which it deserves,” Kagame said.
“It is so important for countries in every region and every income level to have a fair shot at hosting international sporting events.”
The announcement was part of the lead-up to the FIA ceremony in Kigali, where FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem praised Rwanda’s growing role in motorsport.
“The future of motorsport in Africa is bright,” he said after meeting with Rwandan sports minister Richard Nyirishema at the event.
Max Verstappen, who will receive his F1 drivers’ championship trophy during the ceremony, is also scheduled to participate in a grassroots development program organized by the Rwanda Automobile Club, as part of his penalty for swearing at a news conference earlier this year.
Following this revelation, the possible questions to be asked might be:
(A) What are the potential challenges Rwanda could face in hosting an F1 race?
(B) How could Rwanda’s bid impact the development of motorsport in Africa?
(C) What are other countries doing to bring F1 back to Africa?
