FIA Sport Conference 2018 opens in Manila

The FIA’s sixth annual Sport Conference (4-6 June) was officially opened by FIA President Jean Todt on Monday in Manila, under the theme of “Empowering the Future: Unlocking Motor Sport’s Potential”, according to fia.com.

Over 200 delegates representing 93 countries assemble in the Philippines’ capital, with 11 headline speakers addressing the sixth edition of this annual event

The FIA’s sixth annual Sport Conference (4-6 June) was officially opened by FIA President Jean Todt on Monday in Manila, under the theme of “Empowering the Future: Unlocking Motor Sport’s Potential”.

Home to some of the most passionate motor sport fans in the world, a host of FIA events from grassroots through to the pinnacle in Formula One, and a rapidly growing motor sport industry, Asia Pacific is the ideal region to conduct such a forward-looking event.

The conference delegates heard sincere welcomes from the Cynthia Lazo, National Capital Region Director in the Department of Tourism, the Honourable Emy Calixto, Congresswoman, Pasay City, and Augusto Lagman, President of the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP), before Graham Stoker, FIA Deputy President for Sport, highlighted the progress made across the previous five Sport Conferences, as well as the challenges that lie ahead for the sport.

In his opening address, Mr Todt touched on a variety of major topics affecting the future of motor sport, and how it can embrace the many opportunities to ensure its long-term success.

“Providing as many people as possible with access to motor sport is one of the main priorities for the FIA and its clubs worldwide,” said the FIA President.

“One of the key challenges is how to engage with younger generations and inspire them to get involved in our sport, both as fans and competitors.”

Mr Todt directed the FIA clubs to pay special attention to the development of Karting, and the potential of e-Karting.

“E-Karting represents not only a new opportunity in terms of motor sport development, it also demonstrates that the world is changing, and that we need to be a change-leader!

“E-Karting will be demonstrated at the Youth Olympic Games later this year in Buenos Aires - this marks a significant step for the FIA and its recognition by the International Olympic Committee in January 2012.”

The President stressed that the FIA’s focus on the development of grassroots motor sport was not only restricted to circuit racing, but also in the rally and off-road disciplines and the development of the FIA’s Cross Car project, as well as in eSports through the FIA-certified Gran Turismo Online Championship.

Mr Todt then provided the FIA’s delegates from around the world with a health-check on the Federation’s major championships.

Mr Todt urged the delegates to be resolute in striving for the advancement and growth of sustainable motor sport, before declaring the sixth FIA Sport Conference open.