Rwanda has emerged as a serious contender in the race to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix, with representatives from the country set to meet with F1 bosses next month. In a bid to expand the championship's global footprint, Formula 1 has been eager to explore potential race locations on the African continent. While other countries have expressed their desire to host F1 races, Rwanda appears to be ahead in the race, with plans at an advanced stage. Confirming the scheduled meeting, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali spoke exclusively to Motorsport.com and expressed his optimism about Rwanda's bid. "Th
Rwanda has emerged as a serious contender in the race to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix, with representatives from the country set to meet with F1 bosses next month.
In a bid to expand the championship's global footprint, Formula 1 has been eager to explore potential race locations on the African continent. While other countries have expressed their desire to host F1 races, Rwanda appears to be ahead in the race, with plans at an advanced stage.
Confirming the scheduled meeting, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali spoke exclusively to Motorsport.com and expressed his optimism about Rwanda's bid. "They are serious," he stated. "They have presented a good plan and actually we have a meeting with them at the end of September. It will be on a permanent track."
Rwanda has been showing a growing interest in motor racing, with representatives from the Rwanda Development Board attending the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix earlier this year to meet with the International Automobile Federation (FIA). Furthermore, Rwanda will be hosting the FIA Annual General Assembly and Prize Giving Ceremony in December in its capital city, Kigali.
With Formula 1 having successfully expanded in the United States, with races in Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas, the organization is now turning its attention to other parts of the world. Africa, which has not hosted an F1 race since the 1993 South African Grand Prix, is being seriously evaluated as a potential race location.
Domenicali acknowledged the need for the right investment and strategic plan to make an F1 race in Africa possible. He also emphasized the importance of finding a country and region that is welcoming and ready. "We need to always be very careful in making the right choices," he emphasized.
The increased interest in hosting F1 races around the world has allowed Formula 1 to select the best possible calendar. Domenicali stated, "Now, we are on the other side. We have so many places around the world that want to host F1, which allows us to make sure that we are working together with all of them to grow the experience."
However, he also made it clear that any changes to the calendar would not be immediate, but rather in the medium term. Discussions will be held in the coming months to determine the future races for 2026, 2027, and 2028. Another potential addition could be the Thailand Grand Prix, with the government actively pushing for it.
Domenicali plans to visit Thailand after this year's Singapore Grand Prix to evaluate the progress of the project. The original plan was for a street race around Bangkok, but the current proposal may differ. Formula 1 seems to be in a good place, with numerous options to choose from as it continues its global expansion.
On October 2, 2022, President Paul Kagame met with Stefano Domenicali, Chief Executive of the Formula One Group, at the Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore.
On October 2, 2022, President Paul Kagame met with Stefano Domenicali, Chief Executive of the Formula One Group, at the Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore.
Comments
No comments yet. Be the first to share a thought.