The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, will be hosted by the Automóvil Club Argentino in Buenos Aires for its American Congress next week. The Congress will be officially opened by Javier Milei, President of Argentina, whose opening remarks will offer a unique perspective on the country's dynamic motorsport heritage and rapidly evolving mobility ecosystem. 

From 31 August to 2 September, representatives from 32 Member Clubs across North, Central and South America, and the Caribbean, will unite in Buenos Aires, Argentina for three days of collaboration, innovation and knowledge sharing. Throughout the week, attendees will discuss priorities to advance safe and sustainable mobility for road users and drive greater motor sport accessibility. 

To celebrate Member Clubs showcasing their commitment to improving mobility services in their countries and across the regions, the FIA Innovation Challenge 2026 Regional Champions for Regions III and IV will be announced during the week, alongside this year’s winner of the José Abed Award, in memory of Mr José Abed, the former President of OMDAI and Mexico F1 Promoter. Each year, the Award is given to a sporting club who has driven progress across knowledge-promotion, motor sport participation, regional empowerment, or sport and mobility synergy within the Americas. 

FIA President, H.E. Mohammed Ben  Sulayem said: “My thanks to Javier Milei, President of Argentina, for joining the FIA American Congress here in Buenos Aires alongside our Members from across the Americas. This important gathering unites our motorsport and mobility communities, providing a vital platform to discuss the challenges and opportunities that define our work.   

“The passion for motorsport and mobility in Argentina runs deep, and this provides a fitting backdrop for these discussions as we consider how to continue strengthening and growing global motorsport, and delivering safer, more affordable, and more sustainable mobility.” 

FIA  Region III  President,  Frank Fotia, said:  “Our Member Clubs have a wealth of knowledge and experience, and meetings like this allow us to learn from one another and identify solutions to the issues facing road users across our regions. By sharing that expertise, we can help our Clubs strengthen their impact and better serve their communities.” 

FIA Region IV President, Ricardo Morales Rubio, said: “There is real momentum across the Americas, and this meeting gives us the chance to build on that progress. By aligning around our priorities and looking at where we can work more effectively together, we can continue to strengthen the FIA network across the region.” 

President of the Automóvil Club Argentino, César C. Carman, said: “It is an honour to welcome our colleagues from across the Americas to Argentina and to share our country’s strong automotive and motor sport culture. We are proud to host this important gathering in Buenos Aires and look forward to a productive few days of discussion and exchange.” 

Motor sport is deeply embedded in Argentina’s culture, with a passionate fanbase and a proud heritage that has made the country one of Latin America’s great motor racing nations. From five-time Formula One World Champion Juan Manuel Fangio, and current Formula One driver Franco Colapinto, to Turismo Carretera, the world’s oldest continuously running national touring car championship, Argentina’s passion for racing spans generations. Today, that enthusiasm is sustained by a thriving national competition scene across touring cars, rallying, karting and single-seaters, creating strong pathways for emerging talent, supported by the Automóvil Club Argentino and its long-standing relationship with the FIA.  

Beyond motor sport, Argentina is also one of Latin America’s most significant mobility markets, with more than 15 million vehicles and an extensive road network connecting communities, industries and key export markets. A strong domestic automotive industry and growing adoption of hybrid and electric vehicles are also helping to shape the future of mobility across the country. 

The FIA Member Club structure forms the backbone of the federation’s governance and operations, with each full Member Club holding voting rights across the FIA’s elections and regulatory decisions. Clubs are grouped into two primary categories, with some serving in both roles: 

• Mobility Clubs – provide mobility services and represent the interest of road users, with a focus on road safety, travel and tourism, consumer rights, and sustainable mobility 

• National Sporting Authorities (ASNs) – govern and develop motorsport at a national level, are responsible for sporting events, issuing licenses, and engagement across regulations 

Within the FIA there are four Mobility Regions and 6 sport zones. The American Congress will welcome Member Clubs from North, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. The global FIA Membership is comprised of 246 clubs across five continents, connecting over 80 million members. 

-ENDS- 

For media enquiries please contact: 

• Geri Sherwin, Director of Presidential and Mobility Communications: gsherwin@fia.com  

• George Mitchell, Mobility Communications Officer: gmitchell@fia.com 

About the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile   

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It is a non-profit organisation committed to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability and equality across motor sport and mobility.   

Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 246 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including six FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all.