Rwanda 'ready' to host F1 return to Africa

Automobile Club of Rwanda president Christian Gakwaya has confirmed that the African country is interested in hosting a Formula 1 race, following a recent report. 

It was revealed earlier in the week by F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali in an interview with Autosport, that a meeting between F1 and delegates from Rwanda will take place at the end of September. 

Gakwaya will be present in the meeting, which will look into the possibility of Rwanda hosting the pinnacle of single-seater motorsport. 

F1 has not raced in Africa since the 1993 South African Grand Prix, with the likes of Lewis Hamilton having called several times for a return to the continent. 

Rwanda is a small country in central Africa which will host this year's FIA awards ceremony, in the capital city of Kigali. 

The country is no stranger to world sport, with Visit Rwanda being a major sponsor of Paris-based football club PSG and North London side Arsenal.

Gakwaya, is one of the leading figures behind Rwanda's attempt to host a Grand Prix, with him having insisted that the nation is "ready".

"It is time for Africa to be part of the F1 calendar," Gakwaya told FormulaPassion. We are ready to host an F1 race."

"Rwanda represents an ideal opportunity for the return of Formula 1 to Africa. We are serious about submitting our candidacy," he continued. 

"Our interest in Formula 1 is in line with the national strategy to use sport as a lever for economic transformation. 

"For motor sports in Rwanda, hosting F1 is an important part of a broader strategy that includes infrastructure development, capacity building and schools, and the drive to host more international events and championships."