F1 Signs 10-Year Rwanda Deal for African Grand Prix from 2030

Formula 1 and the Rwandan government have agreed a 10-year deal to host the African Grand Prix starting in the early 2030s. The race will take place on a purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, roughly 40 kilometres south of Kigali and adjacent to the new international airport.

The 6-kilometre, 17-corner anti-clockwise track was designed by former driver Alex Wurz. It features a 197-metre elevation change per lap and is intended to create a natural amphitheatre for spectators.

“Today belongs to Africa. For more than three decades, the world's premier motorsport championship has raced without this continent, and that changes with this agreement.”

Rwandan President Paul Kagame and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali announced the agreement at a press conference in Kigali on Tuesday. Kagame said the deal ends a three-decade absence of top-level motorsport from the continent.

F1 stated the project resulted from years of collaboration to ensure a sustainable, world-class event. The championship hopes the race will expand its profile in Africa, a market it considers relatively unexplored.

The calendar slot has not yet been determined, though organisers aim to avoid the main rainy season from March to May. The sport remains committed to a maximum of 24 races per season.