F1 TODAY: "FIA Prize Gala to Proceed in Rwanda Amid a dangerous

The FIA Prize Gala set to take place in Rwanda this December is still expected to go ahead, despite an ongoing Marburg virus outbreak in the country. The event, scheduled for December 13 in Kigali, marks the governing body’s 120th anniversary and will also celebrate this year’s FIA championship winners, including those from Formula 1.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has advised against non-essential travel to Rwanda due to the virus, though it has not imposed a complete travel ban. The outbreak, first confirmed by Rwanda’s Ministry of Health last month, has seen 58 reported cases and 13 deaths as of October 8, making it one of the largest outbreaks of the disease in recent years.

Despite the concerns, the FIA remains committed to holding the event as planned. The FIA Prize Gala is a prestigious occasion in the motorsport world, where champions are officially presented with their awards. Attendance is mandatory for Formula 1 winners, as stated in Article 6.9 of the sport’s regulations, which requires the top three drivers and the representative of the winning constructor to be present. In 2021, Lewis Hamilton was famously fined for missing the event after the controversial conclusion to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The Marburg virus, which is similar to Ebola, causes severe hemorrhagic fever with a fatality rate as high as 88 percent. It is initially transmitted to humans through contact with fruit bats, specifically the Rousettus bat, and then spreads from person to person via bodily fluids, contaminated surfaces, or materials. There is currently no approved treatment, but healthcare workers are being administered a trial vaccine in Rwanda.

The Rwandan government is working closely with the WHO to manage the outbreak. While the virus poses a significant risk at the national and regional levels, the WHO has assessed the global risk as low. In its most recent statement from September 30, the WHO emphasized that travel and trade restrictions with Rwanda are not necessary at this stage. However, travelers are advised to avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals.

Rwanda’s main tourist attractions remain open, and its government has introduced measures to limit the spread of the virus. Passengers leaving the country are required to fill out a screening questionnaire to report any symptoms, and anyone who has been in contact with a confirmed case is subject to a mandatory 21-day quarantine.

The FIA is monitoring the situation in coordination with the Rwandan Ministry of Health but, for now, does not foresee any changes to its plans. A spokesperson for the organization said, “We are monitoring the situation closely in collaboration with the Ministry of Health in Rwanda. At present, we are proceeding as planned.”

Logistical challenges could arise if the outbreak worsens, especially since the Prize Gala brings in delegates and guests from all over the world. The FIA has yet to announce any potential contingency plans should the situation escalate, but as of now, the Gala remains on the calendar.

While the WHO has not called for a complete halt to travel, its recommendations are focused on minimizing the risk of further transmission. The organization continues to investigate the full extent of the outbreak and will update its risk assessment as more information becomes available. Travelers, particularly those attending large international events like the FIA Prize Gala, are urged to take necessary precautions.

The Marburg virus outbreak is the first of its kind in Rwanda, prompting swift action from health authorities. However, the situation remains fluid, and the global motorsport community will be closely watching developments over the coming weeks.

The FIA Prize Gala is a key date in the motorsport calendar, especially for Formula 1 teams and drivers who are required to attend. With champions such as Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing likely to be in attendance, the stakes are high for the event to go smoothly despite the ongoing public health situation.

As the December date approaches, both the FIA and international travelers will need to stay informed about the evolving outbreak and any potential restrictions that could impact the event. For now, the motorsport world prepares to gather in Kigali, with the FIA continuing to assure participants that all necessary precautions will be taken to ensure their safety.