The long-awaited return of Formula 1 to Africa could soon have a definite date. Rwanda is preparing a race circuit so spectacular that it includes its own international airport, and the most curious part is who is funding it: the government of Rwanda is a minority partner. The one paying the bills is a Qatari sheikh.
The project for the circuit plus the airport is budgeted at around 3.2 billion dollars, and the planned completion date is 2029. Qatar’s strategy is clear: diversify its investments in Africa to broaden its influence on the continent, even by paying extraordinarily high bills.
Rwanda’s circuit should be ready by 2029
For decades, Rwanda’s name has been linked to one of the most atrocious moments in humanity, but those who follow sport in recent years will have noticed that Rwanda has launched an aggressive advertising campaign to reshape its image. Formula 1 is no exception.
In fact, Rwanda has a plan to host its own Formula 1 Grand Prix sooner than we think. The African country, which has already hosted FIA events, is building a Formula 1 circuit so outsized that it features something no other has had: an international airport.
How can Rwanda afford all of this? Very simple: Qatar pays. The Formula 1 circuit is budgeted at about 1.2 billion dollars, to which must be added the 2.0 billion for the Bugesera International Airport, as it will be known. 3.2 billion dollars that will largely come out of Qatar’s pocket.
And Qatar will bear nearly 70% of the budget for the mega construction. The reason is to boost the influence of the Arab country on the African continent, especially in a rising region like Rwanda. It will be the Government that handles the remaining percentage of financing for its circuit and its airport.
The plan is for the airport to be operational in 2028, while the circuit is scheduled for 2029. The Formula 1 circuit will be in Kigali, just 40 km from the new Bugesera International Airport, the ideal distance so it does not affect the track but does not entail a long journey for travelers visiting the Grand Prix.
Knowing the good relationship that the FIA, Liberty Media, Qatar and the Government of Rwanda maintain, we can wager that Africa will soon return to the calendar.
Images | Red Bull, Rwanda
