Formula One could be heading back to Africa for the first time in 31 years as Rwanda launches historic bid

RWANDAN president Paul Kagame has announced his country’s bid to host a Formula One race.

F1 have not been to Africa since the last South African Grand Prix in 1993.

Max Verstappen was handed his trophy for winning a fourth world title in a row at an awards ceremony in Rwandan capital Kigali today.

Kagame spoke at the event, addressing the FIA’s General Assembly: “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.

“A big thank you to (F1 chief executive) Stefano Domenicali and the entire team at F1, for the good progress in our discussions so far.

“I assure you that we are approaching this opportunity with the seriousness and commitment which it deserves.

“Together we will build something we can all be proud of.”

Domenicali said in August that Rwanda wanted to host a race at a permanent circuit.

Reports claim the track, to be designed by a company run by Austrian former F1 racer Alexander Wurz, would be located near a new international airport under construction 40km from Kigali.

Lewis Hamilton said in August that the time was right to head to Africa and he was working behind-the-scenes with both Rwanda and South Africa to make it happen.

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The seven-time world champ said: “The time’s 100 per cent right. We can’t be adding races in other locations and continue to ignore Africa, which the rest of the world just takes from. No one gives anything to Africa.

“I think having a Grand Prix there will really be able to highlight just how great the place is and bring in tourism and all sorts of things. Why are we not on that continent?”

The FIA is holding its general assemblies in Africa this week for the first time and the FIA’s Emirati President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Rwanda’s Sports Minister Richard Nyirihishema met earlier in Kigali.

Ben Sulayem said: “To be here in Rwanda for such an important moment in the FIAs calendar is a testament to the strength of this nation, in particular its growing influence in motorsport.

“We are aligned on our values and shared goals across key sectors such as innovation, sustainability, and road safety, and I look forward to our continued partnership.

“The future of motorsport in Africa is bright.”

Verstappen is also carrying out “work of public interest” in Rwanda as punishment for swearing in a Singapore Grand Prix press conference in October.

The activity involves an FIA Affordable Cross Car built locally in Rwanda from blueprints provided by the governing body.

Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk