Plans are underway for an ambitious new Formula 1 track near Kigali’s Bugesera International Airport, should Rwanda’s bid to host a Grand Prix succeed.
President Paul Kagame confirmed the nation’s official submission during the FIA General Assembly in Kigali, sparking excitement about what could be a transformative addition to Africa’s motorsport scene.
The proposed circuit, designed by former F1 driver and Grand Prix Drivers’ Association chairman Alexander Wurz, is set to blend cutting-edge technology with Rwanda’s natural landscape.
Described as a “fast and flowing” track, the design will incorporate the region’s hilly terrain and scenic lakeside views, offering a visually stunning and technically challenging course for drivers.
The track’s location near Bugesera International Airport, Rwanda’s state-of-the-art aviation hub, underscores its strategic intent to boost international accessibility and tourism.
The track will also emphasize sustainability, aligning with F1’s environmental goals, which include achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.
The development is part of a larger effort to position Rwanda as a global motorsport destination while enhancing its infrastructure and economic opportunities.
Alexander Wurz brings extensive expertise to the project, having previously designed circuits such as the Qiddiyah track in Saudi Arabia, slated to host a Grand Prix in 2029.
If successful, Rwanda would become only the second African nation to host a Grand Prix, following South Africa’s Kyalami Circuit, which last held an F1 race in 1993.
Recent talks to revive the Kyalami Grand Prix fell through, making Rwanda the frontrunner for F1’s return to the continent.
The track’s integration into Kigali’s broader development plans could set a precedent for future motorsport projects in Africa, combining innovative design with cultural and natural elements unique to the region.
Rwanda’s partnership with the FIA goes beyond Formula 1. The country is collaborating with the governing body on motorsport development initiatives, including plans for a Cross Car racing vehicle factory.
These efforts aim to foster local talent and create opportunities for youth involvement in the sport, ensuring Rwanda’s motorsport ambitions are sustainable and inclusive.
