Working for the Government of Rwanda, Tilke, Dar and Wurz Design have collaborated on the development of RISE Motordrome, a state-of-the-art motorsport destination and the Formula 1 circuit at the heart of the Government of Rwanda’s vision and successful bid to bring Formula 1 back to Africa for the first time since 1993.

In June 2026, Tilke was appointed as Lead Consultant for the Rwanda Motordrome project, responsible for the design and development of the racetrack, race-related facilities, and overall architectural concept. The project is being developed in close collaboration with Dar and Wurz Design as key members of the international design team, combining their expertise to bring this ambitious project to life.

To support the national vision of establishing the country as one of the world’s emerging destinations for sport, leisure and entertainment, Dar also played a leading role in positioning the motorsport destination within a wider sports, leisure and entertainment district, strategically connected to the new international airport and airport city, both of which Dar has worked closely with the Government of Rwanda to develop over the past few years.

With room for 100,000 spectators, a lakeside setting, architecture rooted in Rwandan culture, and a flexible, adaptable master plan, the Motordrome is conceived as a catalyst for a new international destination combining sport, entertainment, hospitality, tourism and visitor experiences, strategically located alongside Rwanda’s new international airport. The RISE Motordrome takes advantage of its dramatic lakeside setting and the natural landscape of Rwanda. The design combines a world-class racing experience with architecture and public spaces inspired by Rwandan culture and identity.

The project also reflects Rwanda’s wider ambition and extraordinary development trajectory – using world-class infrastructure and international events not as isolated investments, but as catalysts for economic development, tourism, skills, employment and international visibility.

 “From the outset, our collective ambition has been to create far more than a world-class racing circuit. RISE is about creating an entirely new international destination – one that brings together motorsport, sport, entertainment, hospitality and tourism, while creating lasting economic and social value for Rwanda. Working alongside Tilke, Wurz Design and the Government of Rwanda, we have been able to bring together world-leading expertise around an extraordinary national vision, creating a destination that is uniquely Rwandan in its identity but truly global in its ambition and reach.” said Daniel Horner, Partner – Planning and Urban Design at Dar.

“Together with the new international airport and airport city, the project is an exceptional showcase of Rwanda’s vision for the future and its drive to think big and make great dreams a reality. We have been immensely honoured and privileged to support this remarkable project from its very beginning, and we are thrilled to see this incredible vision moving closer to reality, while continuing to support the next stages of design, delivery and implementation,” said Elie Kharrat, Dar’s Partner in charge of Rwanda.

“The RISE Motordrome is a truly special project for us, as it will be our first Formula 1 racetrack in Africa. Together with Alexander Wurz, our vision is to create a challenging and exciting circuit that flows naturally through Rwanda’s breathtaking landscape, embracing the terrain rather than imposing itself upon it. We want to deliver a unique racing experience that combines the excitement of Formula 1 with the extraordinary beauty of Rwanda,” Hermann Tilke, the Founder of the Tilke Company, commented.

Carsten Tilke, the Managing Partner of the Tilke Company added: “We are incredibly proud to be part of the team working to bring Formula 1 back to Africa for the first time since 1993. The RISE Motordrome will be much more than a racetrack. Our ambition is to create a world-class motorsport destination where an exciting circuit and innovative architecture blend seamlessly into the landscape. Inspired by Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage and forward-looking spirit, the project will reflect the country’s identity, ambition and passion for innovation.”

Alex Wurz, the CEO of WurzDesign, added: "Working on the racetrack masterplan since 2023 and the subsequent integration into Dar’s RISE masterplan, I feel great pride and satisfaction at the official announcement today. Now, together with Tilke and Dar, we have been entrusted to bring the track from our concept to life through the detailed design phase. It is a one-of-a-kind circuit, shaped by the beautiful hilly landscape beside Lake Kidogo. Drivers and riders will enjoy the corner speeds, flow and sensational elevation changes of 190 metres per lap, more than any other circuit on the Formula 1 calendar. It is a drivers’ track, six kilometres long and a carefully designed mix of fast flowing and technical sections ready to challenge engineers and drivers and provide great overtaking opportunities and on track fights"

Dar has been privileged to support the Government of Rwanda throughout this journey, from the earliest strategic thinking and initial masterplan with Wurz Design through the development of the specialist consortium and subsequent stages of design, and along with Tilke Engineers and Architects and Wurz Design, remains committed to being a long-term partner to Rwanda in bringing this extraordinary destination to life.