Share to ClassroomRwanda Brings F1 Back to Africa
Formula One (F1) is the world's biggest motor-racing competition. It has signed a 10-year deal to hold a race in Rwanda, a country in Africa. The race will be called the African Grand Prix. It will take place on a new track near the capital, Kigali, in the early 2030s. It will be F1's first race in Africa since 1993.
F1's owners have wanted a race in Africa for years, and the famous driver Lewis Hamilton has also asked for one. Rwanda was chosen because it had one clear plan and enough money. Other countries, like Morocco and South Africa, did not. The new track will be about six kilometres long, with 17 corners. Rwanda has also spent a lot of money on other big sports events.
F1 boss Stefano Domenicali called the deal a landmark moment, which means a very important event. Rwanda's president, Paul Kagame, said the race would bring jobs, tourists and business to Africa. However, some critics say Rwanda is sportswashing. This means using sport to make a country look good. The human rights group Amnesty International asked F1 to push for change. South Africa still hopes to get a race too.
