Rwanda wins race for F1 as Africa returns to Grand Prix calendar after 37 years [VIDEO]

Rwanda has inked a ten-year agreement with Formula 1 to host races in the African nation beginning in the early 2030s. The inaugural event, dubbed the African Grand Prix, will take place on a new, specially built circuit in Bugesera, situated 25 miles south of Kigali, Rwanda's capital and adjacent to the city's new international airport. This will be the first F1 race on African soil since 1993.

Formula 1's decision to partner with Rwanda stems from years of collaboration aimed at establishing "the right foundations" with "the best partner" to deliver a world-class grand prix for years to come. The circuit, engineered by former F1 driver Alex Wurz, is specifically designed to blend with the natural terrain, leveraging the region's elevation variations to provide a distinctive and demanding racing experience while offering exceptional viewing for spectators.

F1 anticipates that the race will help expand the sport's presence in Africa, a market that has been underrepresented compared to Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The specific timing of the race within the calendar has not been confirmed, but it may avoid the rainy season from March to May, opting instead for a shorter, less disruptive window from October to November.

Rwanda's President Paul Kagame expressed pride in hosting the Formula 1 African Grand Prix, emphasizing that it marks a significant shift for the sport, which had previously neglected the continent for over three decades. He highlighted the potential benefits the project could bring to Rwanda, including job creation, skill development, tourism, and economic growth for the region. Rwanda sees this as more than just a race weekend but as a lasting positive impact for its people.

F1 President Stefano Domenicali described the contract extension as a "landmark moment" for Formula 1, asserting that the sport will now race on every inhabited continent. He reiterated the commitment to a long-term partnership aimed at creating a meaningful impact in Africa. In response to potential concerns about "sportswashing," F1's official stance is that the event can serve as a positive force for good, inspiring millions of fans across Africa.

The construction of the track will be managed by three companies, including the renowned F1 track architect Paul multer and Dar, alongside WurzDesign, who designed the circuit layout. The layout is intended to be challenging yet flowing, capitalizing on Rwanda's hilly topography. Rwanda's previous discussions with F1 about returning to the sport included venues like Kyalami in Johannesburg, but no agreement was reached.