RWANDA SECURES FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX FOR EARLY 2030S, MARKING AFRICA RETURN

Tue 13 October 2026:

Rwanda is set to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix in the early 2030s under a 10-year agreement announced on Tuesday, marking the sport’s return to Africa for the first time in nearly four decades.

The deal was unveiled at a news conference in the Rwandan capital Kigali attended by President Paul Kagame, Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali and International Automobile Federation (FIA) President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

WATCH: President @PaulKagame speaks following the announcement that Rwanda will host the Formula 1 African Grand Prix for a 10-year period beginning in 2030.

“It is an honor and priviledge for Rwanda to be chosen as the destination in the Formula1 calendar.” https://t.co/j2ng17wcHo

— INDEPENDENT PRESS (@IpIndependent) October 13, 2026

“Today is a landmark moment for Formula 1. With Rwanda joining the calendar from the next decade, our sport will race in every inhabited continent, bringing the World Championship closer than ever to fans around the globe,” Domenicali said.

Rwanda formally launched its bid to host a Formula 1 race in December 2024, when Kagame announced plans during the FIA’s annual meetings in Kigali.

__________________________________________________________________________

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAtNxX8fewmiFmN7N22

__________________________________________________________________________

The first race will take place once a new purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) south of Kigali, is completed.

The circuit, located near the new Kigali International Airport, will be developed to FIA Grade 1 standards, the highest classification required to host Formula 1 races.

The agreement will see Formula 1 return to Africa for the first time since the 1993 South African Grand Prix, held at the Kyalami circuit.

Further details on the inaugural race date, circuit development and race weekend arrangements will be announced later.

-Source: AA

__________________________________________________________________________

FOLLOW INDEPENDENT PRESS:

WhatsApp CHANNEL
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAtNxX8fewmiFmN7N22