KIGALI: Formula 1 President and Chief Executive Stefano Domenicali has said Rwanda’s hosting of the African Grand Prix will bring the championship closer to more than 100 million African fans, while creating opportunities in tourism, investment and technical careers. Speaking Tuesday at the announcement in Kigali, Domenicali said Africa had remained a missing part of Formula 1’s global footprint despite growing interest in the sport, particularly among young people. FIA President Sulayem (Second left) in a panel discussion with Stefano and Kagame at the event in Kigali “For many years, we have spoken about our desire to return, but always said we would return in the right way, with the right vision and the right partner. That partner is Rwanda,” he said. Rwanda will host the African Grand Prix from the early 2030s under a 10-year agreement, with a purpose-built circuit planned in Bugesera. It will mark Formula 1’s return to Africa for the first time since the 1993 South African Grand Prix. Domenicali said the championship had more than 800 million fans worldwide, including over 100 million in Africa, where its audience was expanding rapidly. “Millions of young people are discovering our sport every year. They are passionate, engaged, and eager to be part of Formula One’s future,” he said. “Today’s announcement brings Formula One closer to them than ever before.” He said the race could encourage young Africans to pursue careers across the motorsport industry, extending its significance beyond spectatorship. “It gives a new generation the opportunity to dream bigger, to see themselves as engineers, technicians, entrepreneurs, innovators, and drivers.” Domenicali credited President Paul Kagame and his government with advancing the project, saying their commitment had helped turn longstanding discussions about an African race into an agreement. “His ambition, together with the dedication of his team, has created an extraordinary opportunity for this nation, for its people, and for the future of Formula One in Africa,” he said. He described Rwanda as a country whose investment ambitions and focus on the future aligned with Formula 1’s expansion plans. The planned Bugesera circuit will sit alongside a wider development programme centred on the new international airport, linking Rwanda’s motorsport ambitions with its efforts to grow tourism and attract businesses. Domenicali said Formula 1 would work with Rwanda and the International Automobile Federation, FIA, over the coming years to develop the circuit, facilities and experience for visiting fans. Kagame speaking at the event on Tuesday in Kigali However, he stressed that the partnership’s objectives extended beyond the annual event. “This is not simply about hosting a Grand Prix. This is about creating legacy and inspiration,” he said. He outlined an ambition to support tourism, investment, skills and education, alongside opportunities for local businesses and communities. The announcement also reflects closer cooperation between Formula 1 and the FIA on restoring Africa to the championship calendar. Domenicali thanked FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, saying both organisations had shared that objective from the outset. Looking ahead, he said Rwanda would become the setting for a new chapter in the sport’s history. “People will look back on this day and say that this was the moment Formula One came home to Africa,” he said. “And I’m proud that together we will write the story here in Rwanda.” Tags #ChimpReportsNews featured
Curated by Taleb Kabbara · Source: chimpreports.com