Rwanda is planning the next big step in motorsport: the country wants to bring Formula One back to Africa with a spectacular new race track
Rwanda has officially submitted its bid to host a Formula One race at a new circuit near the planned Bugesera airport near Kigali. The track, which will take full advantage of the region’s hilly landscape, is being designed by former Formula One driver Alexander Wurz.
According to Motorsport.com, Wurz’s company has been working on this project for over a year in collaboration with the Rwandan government and local representatives.
The track will have a fast and flowing layout through forests and around a lake. Wurz is also designing the new race track in Qiddiya, Saudi Arabia, where the Formula 1 race is to take place from 2028 or 2029.
Months of effort to return to Africa
Rwanda’s push is the result of months of effort by Formula One and the FIA to bring Grand Prix racing back to the African continent. Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali has been in talks with Rwandan officials for some time to make such an event happen.
Speaking ahead of further planned meetings in September, Domenicali said: “They are seriously interested. They have put forward a good plan… It will be a permanent race track.” Since then, there appears to have been progress.
At the FIA awards ceremony in the Rwandan capital Kigali this Friday, the country’s president officially announced the ambitions to secure a Grand Prix.
Official announcement by the President of Rwanda
“I am delighted to officially announce that Rwanda is bidding to bring the excitement of racing back to Africa by hosting a Formula One Grand Prix,” said Paul Kagame, President of the Republic.
“I would like to thank Stefano Domenicali and the entire Formula One team for the good progress made in our discussions so far. I assure you that we are taking this opportunity with the seriousness and commitment it deserves.”
FIA President Mohammed bin Sulayem will also attend the event on Friday and, according to the BBC, said in advance: “To be here in Rwanda at such an important moment in the FIA calendar is a testament to the strength of this country and particularly to its growing influence in motorsport.”
“We share common values and goals in key areas such as innovation, sustainability and road safety and look forward to a continued partnership. The future of motorsport in Africa is promising,” said the FIA head.