Rwandan President Paul Kagame has officially announced his country’s bid to host a Formula One Grand Prix, marking a potential return of the sport to Africa for the first time since the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami, north of Johannesburg.
Kagame made the announcement during the opening address at the FIA’s General Assembly in Kigali, ahead of an awards ceremony where Max Verstappen will receive the champion’s trophy for the fourth consecutive year, Reuters reports.
“I am happy to formally announce that Rwanda is bidding to bring the thrill of racing back to Africa by hosting a Formula One Grand Prix,” Kagame stated.
He expressed gratitude to Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali and his team for the progress made in discussions so far. “I assure you that we are approaching this opportunity with the seriousness and commitment it deserves. Together we will build something we can all be proud of.”
Domenicali previously revealed in August that Rwanda was pursuing the development of a permanent circuit for the race. Reports indicate that the proposed track will be designed by a company led by former F1 driver Alexander Wurz and located near the new international airport under construction in Bugesera, approximately 40 km from Kigali.
