F1 returns to Africa for first time since 1993 with 10-year Rwanda deal from ‘early 2030s’

African Grand Prix will take place at new track near KigaliStefano Domenicali: ‘Today is a landmark moment for F1’Formula One has confirmed Rwanda will join the calendar having concluded a 10-year agreement for the meeting to be hosted on a purpose-built circuit, with the first race set for the early 2030s. It will mark the first time F1 has raced in Africa since 1993.The meeting, to be known as the African Grand Prix, will be held on a circuit in Bugesera, approximately 40km south of the capital Kigali and represents a successful conclusion to the sport’s long-held ambition to return to the African continent championed by Lewis Hamilton. KIGALI, Rwanda (AP) — Formula 1 announced on Tuesday that Rwanda will host a race from “the early 2030s” when the series returns to Africa after about 40 years.The African Grand Prix will have a 10-year contract and take place at a track in Bugesera, southeast of the capital Kigali.

F1 said the purpose-built track will be ready “early in the next decade.”Rwandan President Paul Kagame said at a launch event in Kigali that it was "a success and a milestone for the entire continent, especially for the African fans,” adding he hoped it could lead to more F1 events in Africa.Racing in Africa will fulfil a long-held ambition for seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, the only Black driver in F1. The 41-year-old British driver has said he has been “fighting in the background” for years to have a race in Africa.The last time F1 raced in Africa was the South African Grand Prix in 1993.“Today is a landmark moment for Formula 1," F1 President and chief executive Stefano Domenicali said. "With Rwanda joining the calendar from the next decade our sport will race in every inhabited continent, bringing the world championship closer than ever to fans around the globe.“Africa has always been part of Formula 1’s future, and from the beginning we were determined to return in the right way, with the right partner, a long-term commitment and a clear vision for creating meaningful impact.”___AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing

KIGALI, Rwanda (AP) — Formula 1 confirmed on Tuesday that Rwanda will host a race from “the early 2030s” when the series returns to Africa after about 40 years. Rwanda signs a 10-year deal with Formula 1 to host races in the African country, starting "in the early 2030s". Formula 1 will return to Africa after it was confirmed Rwanda will host races from the early 2030s.