2026-10-13 12:31:00Sport SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

Formula 1 is set to return to Africa after more than 30 years. The championship's governing body has reached a 10-year deal with Rwanda to stage a Grand Prix in the country starting in 2030.

The exact debut date of this race has not yet been determined, but this agreement marks an important step in the international expansion strategy of the most important motor racing competition with Formula 1, which aims to have races on all inhabited continents of the planet.

The last Formula 1 race in Africa was in 1993, when the Kyalami circuit in South Africa hosted the Grand Prix won by Alain Prost driving for Williams. Since then, despite repeated attempts to bring Formula 1 back to the continent, it has failed. The Rwandan race will take place on a permanent track being built in Bugesera, about 40 km south of the capital Kigali and near the city's international airport. The project will be led by former Formula 1 driver Alex Wurz and will aim to capitalise on the natural features of the territory.

As Formula 1 itself explains, the area's elevation differences will be exploited to create a unique and technically challenging track while guaranteeing privileged stands for the public. The objective is to create a structure at the height of the category's standards, capable of offering an international racing experience.

The return to Africa represents a new growth opportunity for Formula 1, which has expanded its global presence in recent years. Compared to Europe, Asia and the Americas, the African continent remains a relatively unexplored market, although it has a significant fan base and a young audience. The agreement is the result of several years of collaboration between Formula 1 and Rwanda with the aim of creating a sustainable and long-term project. It remains to be decided at what time of year this race will be included in the calendar. Furthermore, Formula 1 aims to maintain a calendar of 24 races per season and thus the Rwandan Grand Prix is ​​in line with the organizational balance of the championship.


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