Rwanda Officially Declared Its Bid To A Host Formula 1 Race

Rwandan President Paul Kagame declared that Rwanda has officially bid to host a Formula 1 race in its capital, Kigali. The last Formula 1 event on the African continent took place in 1993 at the Kyalami circuit in South Africa.

“I am happy to officially announce that Rwanda is competing to bring the excitement of motor racing back to Africa by hosting a Formula One Grand Prix,” Kagame said.

Critics accuse Kagame and his administration of so-called “sportswashing,” that is, of using high-profile international events to enhance their reputation while covering up serious human rights abuses, stifling freedom of expression and restricting other freedoms.

In August, Formula 1 officials confirmed that there were talks about hosting a race in Rwanda, with Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali stressing that the country was a serious option.

South African authorities have also recently indicated that they want to host a Formula One race at the Kyalami circuit, located near Johannesburg. Before that, the circuit will have to be renovated, as it no longer meets high standards for racing.

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