Rwanda has signed a 10-year deal with Formula 1 to host races in the African country, starting "in the early 2030s". The event, to be called the African Grand Prix, will be held on a new, purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, 25 miles south of the capital Kigali and next to the city's new international airport. It will be the first F1 race in Africa since 1993.
A statement from F1 said the project came as a result of "years of collaboration to ensure the right foundations, with the best partner, are in place to deliver a successful, sustainable and world-class grand prix for generations to come." The circuit, designed by former F1 driver Alex Wurz, is meant to work in harmony with the natural landscape, using the area's elevation changes to create a challenging racing experience. F1 hopes the race will expand its profile in Africa, a relatively unexplored market compared to Europe, Asia and the Americas. The best slot in the calendar has not yet been established.
Rwanda President Paul Kagame said: "For more than three decades, the world's premier motorsport championship has raced without this continent, and that changes with this agreement." He said the circuit alongside the new airport would bring jobs, skills, tourism and new business to the country and region. F1 president Stefano Domenicali called the contract "a landmark moment for F1," which would mean the sport was racing "on every inhabited continent."
The race is likely to draw criticism from human rights groups accusing Rwanda of sportswashing, as has been the case with its sponsorship of Premier League clubs Arsenal and Aston Villa. The Democratic Republic of Congo has also filed a case against Rwanda at the International Court of Justice, accusing it of breaching multiple international treaties. The track will be built with help from long-time F1 track architect Tilke and DAR, alongside Wurz Design.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing