From BBC Sport · · 2m
Rwanda to host first African F1 race in 33 years
Formula 1 signs a 10-year deal with Rwanda to hold the African Grand Prix near Kigali starting in the early 2030s, but human rights groups warn of sportswashing.
In brief
Formula 1 signs a 10-year deal with Rwanda to hold the African Grand Prix near Kigali starting in the early 2030s, but human rights groups warn of sportswashing. Formula 1 has signed a ten year deal with Rwanda to host the African Grand Prix starting in the early two thousand thirty s, the first F1 race in Africa…
F1 returns to Africa after 33 years
Rwanda has signed a ten year deal with Formula 1 to host the African Grand Prix starting in the early two thousand thirty s.
New circuit near Kigali airport
The track will be built in Bugesera, twenty five miles south of the capital Kigali, next to the city's new international airport. It was designed by former F1 driver Alex Wurz.
Circuit designed for natural landscape
The circuit has been designed to work in harmony with Rwanda's natural landscape, using elevation changes to create a unique racing experience and exceptional viewing opportunities for fans.
“designed to work in harmony with the natural landscape, using the area's elevation changes to create a unique and challenging racing experience while delivering exceptional viewing opportunities for fans”
Rwanda President on continental significance
President Paul Kagame said the agreement means the world's premier motorsport championship will race on the continent for the first time in more than three decades, bringing jobs and tourism.
“For more than three decades, the world's premier motorsport championship has raced without this continent, and that changes with this agreement.”
F1 sees Africa as untapped market
F1 president Stefano Domenicali called the deal a landmark moment for the sport, which will now race on every inhabited continent. Africa has been relatively unexplored compared to Europe, Asia and the Americas.
Human rights groups warn of sportswashing
The race is likely to be controversial as Rwanda has previously been accused of sportswashing. Felix Jakens, Amnesty International UK's head of campaigns, said Rwanda is buying into major sports to polish its image.
“Rwanda is buying into the world's biggest sports to polish its image and deflect from its appalling human rights record.”
Amnesty calls on F1 to push for change
Amnesty International argues F1 should use its influence with Rwandan authorities to push for change rather than lend its brand to a PR exercise. F1 said sport can be a positive force for good.
“Formula 1 must not be a bystander. It should use its influence with the Rwandan authorities to push for change, rather than lend its brand to a PR exercise.”
Africa's F1 history and South Africa's failed bids
The first grand prix in Africa was in Morocco in nineteen fifty eight. South Africa hosted races from nineteen sixty to nineteen sixty six and nineteen seventy six to nineteen ninety three, but recent talks…
The takeaway
Formula 1 has signed a ten year deal with Rwanda to host the African Grand Prix starting in the early two thousand thirty s, the first F1 race in Africa since nineteen ninety three, though human rights groups accuse Rwanda of sportswashing.
