The 20^th edition of the FIA Congress of Americas for Mobility and Sport was opened today, 22 July, by FIA President Jean Todt in the Uruguayan capital, Montevideo. It is the third time the FIA Sport Regional Congress Americas has taken place – delegates from 23 Sporting Clubs and 9 mobility clubs from across North, Central and South America, are gathered to discuss the key topics in the region across both sport and mobility.

“This is the tenth Americas Congress I have had the pleasure of attending, and to see so many representatives here is very encouraging.” said President Todt. “This annual congress is fundamental. I especially appreciate the opportunity it provides for us to meet and hear about the news and progress as well as challenges of the Clubs, and together to think of the future of motor sport and mobility.”

The 100 participants attending this third combined mobility and sport event were also welcomed by Jorge Tomasi Crisci, President of the Automóvil Club del Uruguay and FIA President of Region IV, which is celebrating its 100^th year in 2018. In addition, President of the CODASUR region, Carlos García Remohí, and FIA Vice President for Sport and Americas Vice President José Abed gave their welcome to the delegates before the first sessions began.

The congress will provide delegates with the opportunity to meet face-to-face with key members of the FIA family, as well as motor sport development sessions which will include practical exercises relevant for the different disciplines which are most significant in each country.

Rally and cross-country rally are core disciplines in the Americas, and a strong emphasis will be placed on safety through the Rally Safety Task Force and Rally Marshal Training Programmes, as well as introductions of the new cross-car discipline which forms the base of the rally pathway.

With Clubs operating at a wide range of developmental stages in the region, information on the FIA Sport Club Development Programme and FIA Sport Grant Programme will be shared, and workshops explaining how Clubs can access these resources make up a significant part of the congress itinerary.

“The Americas region is very active and makes significant progress in the development of motor sport,” continued Todt. “This is something we will continue to work on through this congress. We should also remember that sport and mobility are closely intertwined, especially here in this region.”

This congress opens a week of significant activity for the FIA in Uruguay, as the country prepares to host the 2018 FIA Mobility Conference later this week.