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Rwanda has formally announced its intention to host a Formula One race, ending speculation over the country’s intentions.
Rwanda has formally submitted its bid to host a Formula One race, ending speculation over whether the country was serious about bringing the event back to Africa.
The continent has not hosted a Formula One race since 1993, at South Africa's Kyalami circuit in Johannesburg, but it could be witnessing the event in a few years’ time following Rwanda’s move.
"I am happy to formally announce that Rwanda is bidding to bring the thrill of racing back to Africa by hosting a Formula One Grand Prix," Rwanda President Paul Kagame said during his opening address to the governing FIA's General Assembly on Friday ahead of the Formula One Awards in Kigali.
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23:17 - 24.08.2024
Revealed: When Rwanda could host Formula One Grand Prix
Rwanda is among countries being considered to host a Formula One race and it appears it won’t be long before Africa witnesses Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen and Co.
"A big thank you to (Formula One chief executive) Stefano (Domenicali) and the entire team at F1, for the good progress in our discussions so far.
"I assure you that we are approaching this opportunity with the seriousness and commitment which it deserves. Together we will build something we can all be proud of."
It is still not clear when this will happen but there have been reports that Rwanda could host a Formula One race in 2028 with the country keen to have it at a permanent circuit.
Reports say the track, which will be designed by Austrian former F1 racer Alexander Wurz, will be located near an international airport under construction in Bugesera some 40km from Kigali.
Kagame’s announcement comes a few months after Formula One legend Lewis Hamilton endorsed the country to host a race, saying “time was right for a Formula One race in Africa” and that he was working behind-the-scenes with Rwanda and South Africa to make it happen.
"The time's 100% right. We can't be adding races in other locations and continue to ignore Africa, which the rest of the world just takes from. No one gives anything to Africa," the seven-time champion said in August.
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"I think having a Grand Prix there will really be able to highlight just how great the place is and bring in tourism and all sorts of things. Why are we not on that continent?
"There is at least one track that's ready. In the short term, we should just get on that track and have that part of the calendar, and then work on building out something really cool."
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