Rwandan President Paul Kagame on Friday officially announced his country’s bid to host a Formula One race. This was at the FIA’s motorsport governing body’s prize-giving ceremony in the Rwandan capital, Kigali, on Friday evening.
Speaking at the FIA General Assembly, Kagame said: “I am pleased to officially announce that Rwanda is bidding to bring the excitement of racing back to Africa by hosting a Formula One Grand Prix.”
Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali is interested in hosting a race in Africa and discussions with Rwanda have been ongoing for the past few months.
The continent has not hosted a Grand Prix since the 1993 South African Grand Prix at the Kyalami circuit, north of Johannesburg.
If Formula 1 does strike a deal with Rwanda, the race would be held on a new circuit planned for the city near the new international airport under construction in Bugesera, about 40 kilometres from the capital.
The layout is reportedly to be designed by Alexander Wurz, a former F1 driver and president of the Grand Prix Drivers Association.
The motorsport governing body is holding its general assemblies in Africa for the first time.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem met Rwandan Sports Minister Richard Nyirishema at the meeting this week.
The prospect of a Formula 1 Grand Prix in Rwanda is generating a lot of interest, not only from motorsport fans but also from the country itself. It represents a unique opportunity to promote tourism, strengthen the economy and increase Rwanda’s international profile.
Africa is rich with talent and passion for motorsports, and hosting a world-renowned race like Formula 1 would be a real catalyst for the development of the automotive industry on the continent.
In conclusion, Rwanda’s bid to host a Formula 1 race is an ambitious initiative full of potential. If successful, it will provide a unique experience for motorsports fans, while opening up new opportunities for the country and the African continent as a whole.