Photo credit, Formula 1
Rwanda has signed a 10-year deal with Formula 1 to host races in the African country, starting in the early 2030s.
The event, called the African Grand Prix, will take place on a new purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, 40 kilometers south of the capital Kigali and close to the city's new international airport. This will be the first Formula 1 race in Africa since 1993.
An F1 statement said the project was the result of "years of collaboration to ensure the solid 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, was "designed to blend harmoniously into the natural landscape, using the area's uneven terrain to create a unique and challenging racing experience whilst providing exceptional viewing opportunities for fans", the statement added.
F1 hopes the race will provide the sport with the opportunity to increase its profile in Africa, a relatively unexplored market compared to Europe, Asia and the Americas.
It has not yet been determined what time of year this race could best fit into the calendar.
This race is likely to be controversial, with Rwanda having already been accused of money laundering through sport.
Organizers are likely to want to avoid scheduling the race during the main rainy season, March to May. A shorter, less disruptive rainy season occurs from October to November.
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F1 has committed to limiting the season to a maximum of 24 races.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame said: “For more than three decades, the most prestigious motorsport world championship has taken place without this continent, and that changes with this agreement. »
“Rwanda is proud to host the Formula 1 African Grand Prix and to share this moment with more than 100 million fans across Africa, including many young people who deserve to see this sport at home and to project themselves into it: as engineers, technicians, entrepreneurs and, one day, drivers. »
“The Bugesera Circuit, close to the new international airport, will bring jobs, skills, tourism and new businesses to our country and region for decades to come, as our goal has never been just a weekend of racing, but a lasting benefit for our people. »
F1 president Stefano Domenicali said the new contract was "a historic moment for F1", which would mean the sport would be present "on every inhabited continent".
Domenicali added: “Africa has always been part of the future of Formula 1, and from the start we were determined to get back there the right way, with the right partner, a long-term commitment and a clear vision to create significant impact. »
Sportswashing controversy
The race is likely to draw opposition from human rights groups who will accuse Rwanda of "sportswashing", as was the case with its sponsorship of Premier League football clubs Arsenal and Aston Villa.
The Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda's neighbor in central and eastern Africa, has filed a complaint against the country at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing it of violating multiple international treaties covering genocide prevention, racial discrimination, women's rights and torture.
An F1 spokesperson said: “We have the opportunity to inspire and spread the passion of F1 to 100 million people across Africa, and the sport can be a positive force for good. »
But Felix Jakens, head of campaigns at Amnesty International UK, said: “Rwanda is investing in the world's biggest sporting events to burnish its image and distract from its catastrophic human rights record. »
“Formula 1 affirms that sport can be a positive force for good. It rings hollow if F1 loses interest in its partners. »
“Formula 1 must not sit idle. She should use her influence with the Rwandan authorities to drive change, rather than lending her image to a public relations operation. »
Construction of the circuit will be overseen by three companies, Tilke, a long-time F1 circuit architect, and DAR working alongside WurzDesign, creator of the circuit.
It is designed to be fast and smooth, with a significant elevation change, using the natural contours of Rwanda's hilly landscape.
The first Grand Prix in Africa took place during the final round of the World Championship in Morocco in 1958.
South Africa hosted a race during the apartheid era - from 1960 to 1966 in East London, now known as KuGompo City, before the race was moved to Kyalami, near Johannesburg, from 1976 to 1985.
Kyalami returned for two races in 1992 and 1993, as apartheid was coming to an end.
The country has held discussions with F1 in recent years regarding a return to various circuits, including Kyalami and Cape Town, but no agreement could be reached.
We used AI to help translate this article, originally written in English. A BBC journalist checked the translation before publication. Learn more about how we use AI.
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