Sport

Rwanda to Host Formula 1 Grand Prix in the 2030s

BBC Sport · 2 hours ago · Read the Full Story on BBC Sport
Rwanda to Host Formula 1 Grand Prix in the 2030s
AI SUMMARY

Formula 1 has signed a 10-year deal with Rwanda to host an African Grand Prix starting in the early 2030s, marking the sport's return to the continent after nearly 40 years.

  • Formula 1 has signed a 10-year deal to hold an African Grand Prix in Rwanda starting in the early 2030s.
  • The deal ends an absence of F1 racing in Africa that began after the last South African Grand Prix in 1993.
  • F1 owners Liberty Media pursued an African race for nearly 10 years after buying the sport in 2017.
  • Rwanda succeeded where Morocco and South Africa failed by presenting a unified financial and infrastructural plan.
  • A new circuit is being built in Bugesera, 25 miles south of Kigali, near a new international airport under construction.
  • The circuit is designed by former F1 driver Alex Wurz, projected to be about 6km long with 17 corners and nearly 200m of elevation change.
  • President Paul Kagame stated the project will bring jobs, skills, tourism, and new business to Africa.
  • The project faces criticism over allegations of sportswashing due to Rwanda's human rights record and legal disputes with the Democratic Republic of Congo at the International Court of Justice.
  • Amnesty International criticized F1 for partnering with Rwanda, urging the sport to use its influence to push for human rights changes.