Will Africa Relive Its Grand Prix Era Glory?

Formula 1 is set to make its return to Africa in Rwanda, potentially as early as 2030, according to an announcement made by the FIA today. For now, it remains a target, as the circuit and surrounding complex currently exist only on paper and are yet to be built. The hosting agreement covers a 10-year span, though the exact date of the inaugural race is still to be determined.

For many Formula 1 fans, motorsport in Africa is closely tied to the South African Grand Prix at Kyalami, which last featured on the calendar in 1993, making for an extended absence from the continent.

However, Africa's earlier motorsport history is rich and storied, extending well beyond the iconic World Rally Championship events held in Kenya and Ivory Coast.

The continent served as an important battleground during the classic Grand Prix era—the races that laid the groundwork before the official Formula 1 World Championship debuted in 1950.

The most renowned was undoubtedly the Tripoli Grand Prix, one of Africa's oldest races according to the FIA, first held in 1925. The Mellaha circuit near Tripoli was regarded as one of the fastest tracks in the world. World War II brought an end to racing in Tripoli, but not before Tazio Nuvolari and his rivals went down in history with an attempt to fix one of its editions—long before Flavio Briatore, and through a considerably more elaborate scheme...

Morocco also holds a significant place in racing lore. The country hosted Grand Prix-era events between 1925 and 1934 in Anfa and Casablanca, before Ain-Diab staged an official Formula 1 World Championship round in 1958. Prior to that, during the 1950s, Morocco was already hosting major races that served as precursors to modern endurance racing.

The Algerian Grand Prix debuted in 1928, staging seven races across three different street circuits through 1937. Jean-Pierre Wimille stood out with three individual wins, while Bugatti dominated with seven victories. Following Algeria's independence, motorsport in the country shifted decisively toward off-road and rally-raid competition.

Tunisia shares a similar heritage, hosting races between 1928 and 1937 across three venues: Carthage, Le Bardo, and Bizerte. These events routinely attracted top French and Italian teams of the calibre of Bugatti and Alfa Romeo before being halted by the outbreak of World War II.

Finally, there is Egypt. In 1947, the Cairo Grand Prix was held on a street layout winding through the grounds of El Gezira Park. The race made history as the first where drivers competed in identical machinery, with all 16 entries on the grid piloting Italian Cisitalia 1100 single-seaters.

Photo: Mercedes