Representative from FIA National Sporting Authorities (ASNs) and National Automobile Clubs (ACNs) attended the sixth edition of the FIA Sport Regional Congress Central Europe on January 29 and 30. The event was held remotely for the first time.

The Congress represented a unique opportunity for Clubs and FIA toshare knowledgeand experiences of confronting the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The event was open by FIA President Jean Todt, FIA Deputy President for Sport Graham Stoker, and FIA Coordinator for CEZ Zrinko Gregurek, who is also a Member of the World Motor Sport Council. The programme was organised under the leadership of the FIA’s ASN Development Task Force presided over by Andrew Papadopoulos.

“Despite the much impacted 2020 agenda, the Central European region has a lot of successstories and case studies of resumption of motor sport. You responded very well to this unexpected crisis and I can only salute this,” said Jean Todt.

A debate on how best to advance motor sport in the region addressed current challenges, risk management issues and planning for safety, and new opportunities for ASNs to develop sporting disciplines and new formats (i.e. Motorsport Games and Digital Motorsport). The FIA Development Department also shared the FIA Environmental Strategy released in December 2020, to support ASNs in developing sustainability expertise. The strategy aims for carbon neutrality from 2021 and net zero status by 2030.

The Congress programme included sessions on how ASNs, supported by the FIA, have adjusted to maintain motor sport activity, amid pandemic. Discussions focused on the showcasing of grassroots activities deployed by ASNs, and the opportunities of new FIA training initiatives.

Jean Todt continued: “It is during these times of great uncertainty that opportunities often arise. At the FIA, as you are all well aware now, we have decided to strengthen our contribution to society as a whole.We are working to develop the #PurposeDriveninitiative highlighting actions that we are undertaking in sport and mobility for better outcomes in key areas such as health and safety, the environment, and to achieve greater diversity and inclusion for all in our community.” 

In closing, President Todt said: “the resumption of motor sport in Europe was made possible thanks to your great work. You have done your best to ensure its continued promotion in your respective countries. Thank you for your commitment and your strong achievements. In these troubled times, we need to stay unitedand work together towards a brighter future.”