FIA Press Releases
-
Safety Device Approved by FIA to Support Drivers with Disabilities
Safety newsThe Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has today approved the first karting seat with roll hoop attachment to facilitate disabled drivers competition in karting events.
Following approval from World Motor Sport Council today, the fiberglass high seat features an innovative lamination developed by Vita Carbon for enhanced impact resistance and can be used in karting races aligned to the FIA Karting Guidelines for Drivers with Disabilities document. Designed with an integrated roll hoop, the seat provides additional attachment points for competitors who require safety belt anchoring to support torso stability, offering drivers with disabilities additional support to enable them to race safely.
The development of the device was led by FIA Disability & Accessibility Commission member and disability driver Fabio Visentin and Vita Carbon, who worked with the support of the FIA Safety Department to design and manufacture the seat with roll hoop which has recently been homologated by the FIA. It is envisaged that the device, which is optional for drivers with disabilities competing in karting, will support a new generation of disabled racers into the entry point of motor sport.
Fabio Visentin, Member of the FIA Disability & Accessibility Commission, said:
“The development and testing of this new roll hoop represent a significant step forward for the safety of karters with disabilities. Ensuring that every driver can compete with the highest protection standards is our top priority. Our goal was to create a product that was not only safe and rigorously tested but also high-performing, ensuring it does not interfere with the chassis' flexibility. Karters with disabilities now have access to a product that has all these features, and I want to thank Vita Carbon for the development and the FIA for their support in this project.”
Nuno Costa, FIA Safety Director, said:
“Safety should complement accessibility and we’ve been proud to work on this project with Fabio to raise safety standards for karting drivers with disabilities. The karting high seatis a simple butimportant innovation that facilitates drivers to safety competeand I hope it will provide every karting driver with disabilities with greater confidence and independence.”
As a result of today’s decision, homologated karting high seats up to 32cm have been approved with immediate effect in karting events and it is expected they will first be deployed at races in early 2026.
ENDS
For media enquiries please contact FIA Sport Communications Manager, Omar Sharif: osharif@fia.com
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 245 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including seven FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all.
DisabilitySafetyFIA
Safety1SafetyFIADisabilitySafety00Thursday, March 26, 2026 - 11:07amThursday, March 26, 2026 - 11:07am -
FIA Launches New and Extensive Training and Development Programmes for Motor Sport Officials
FIA newsThe Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has launched a comprehensive package of training and development for its global network of motor sport officials.
In 2026, three dedicated programmes will be rolled out to support the Race Director, Steward and Clerk of the Course roles at national, regional and international level. Each programme is split between ‘Continuous Professional Development’ for officials who are operating with considerable officiating experience and a ‘Regional Training Programme’ which provides a development pathway for officials nominated by their FIA Member Club (ASN) to officiate from the national to the international level.
Developed to refresh knowledge, promote best practice and ensure alignment with current regulatory standards, these programmes aim to elevate officiating quality, strengthen consistency across competitions and embed a culture of continuous professional development and high performance across the FIA officiating network.
Building on the success of the 2025 FIA Officials Summit in Madrid which gathered over 230 FIA officials for in-person training, the online training sessions in 2026 will connect officials for shared learning, collaboration and exchange of best practice. Each programme will conclude with an assessment and certification process to maintain high standards internationally.
eveloped and delivered in collaboration between the new FIA Officials Department and the FIA University, the content has been tailored to meet the specific requirements of every FIA discipline and category. Each programme includes four 120‑minute sessions delivered throughout the year, with the first session of the 2026 FIA Stewards Programme taking place online today, 24 March.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, said:
“Last year, we took an important step forward with the launch of the FIA Officials Department. It strengthened how we support and empower officials and recognise their significant contribution.
These training programmes reflect our ongoing commitment to supporting officials, because when we grow our officials, we grow our sport.”
Matteo Perini, FIA Sport Officials Manager, said:
“These programmes have been carefully crafted to provide motor sport officials across the world with the tools and resources they need to fulfil their roles and continue officiating at the highest level. By strengthening their knowledge, confidence and decision‑making capabilities, we are investing in the long‑term excellence and consistency of our global officiating community.”
The FIA Stewards Training Programme will begin on 24 March, and the FIA Race Director Training Programme will begin on 31 March. For the first time, the FIA will also directly organise Clerk of the Course training, scheduled to begin in June 2026.
ENDS
For media enquiries please contact FIA Sport Communications Manager, Omar Sharif: osharif@fia.com
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 245 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.
TrainingFIA
FIA1FIAFIATraining00Tuesday, March 24, 2026 - 11:01amTuesday, March 24, 2026 - 11:01am -
ABB FIA Formula E in Madrid Hosts a Royal Visit at Inaugural Race, Welcoming His Majesty King Felipe VI
Sport newsThe Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, welcomed His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain to Madrid’s inaugural hosting of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.
King Felipe VI’s presence highlighted the growing importance of sustainable motorsport and Spain’s role in embracing innovative, electric racing technologies. The event marks a historic milestone for a championship that is currently in its twelfth season, and which since its inception has had innovation embedded in its DNA.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “It was an honour for the FIA to welcome His Majesty King Felipe VI to the Circuito de Madrid-Jarama for the city’s inaugural ABB FIA Formula E World Championship race. This landmark event reflects the growing global appeal of electric racing and underscores our shared commitment to sustainability, innovation, and cutting-edge motorsport.
“Madrid has embraced Formula E with great enthusiasm, and hosting the championship here for the first time allows us to showcase the excitement of electric racing while promoting cleaner mobility solutions. We are thrilled to bring fans from around the world to the Spanish capital and inspire the next generation of motorsport enthusiasts and innovators."
Carmelo Sanz de Barros, President of the FIA Senate andPresident of the Royal Automobile Club of Spain (RACE), said:"Bringing Formula E to Madrid for the first time is a historic moment for our city and for Spanish motorsport. The CUPRA Raval Madrid E-Prix showcases not only racing at the highest level but also the importance of sustainable mobility. We are proud to have welcomed His Majesty King Felipe VI to experience this unique event, which celebrates innovation, excitement, and Spain’s commitment to a greener future in motorsport."
The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship stands at the forefront of sustainable innovation in global sport, combining high-performance racing with a clear purpose: to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable future. Since it began, the championship has served as a platform for cutting-edge electric vehicle technology, driving advancements in energy efficiency, battery development and urban mobility solutions. Formula E not only brings world-class motorsport to fans but also demonstrates how innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand, supporting the FIA’s commitment to reducing environmental impact while inspiring the next generation of mobility.
The Championship will continue for Rounds 7 & 8 in Berlin from the 2nd May 2026.
-ENDS-
For media enquiries please contact:
- Eric Bellegarde, FIA Formula E Communications Manager: ebellegarde@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 245 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.
ABB FIA Formula E World ChampionshipFormula EAll fia sport
SEASON 2026-2027SportCircuit1SportABB FIA Formula E World ChampionshipCircuitAll fia sportSEASON 2026-2027Formula E00Saturday, March 21, 2026 - 9:47pmSaturday, March 21, 2026 - 9:47pm -
FIA and UN Tourism Announce First Ever Sustainable Sports Tourism Awards Winners
FIA newsThe Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, today announced the winners of the first UN Tourism Awards for Excellence in Sustainable Sports Tourism, powered by the FIA.
Announced at a ceremony in Madrid, ahead of this weekend’s ABB FIA Formula E CUPRA Raval Madrid E-Prix, the winners demonstrated leadership and innovation across key areas in sustainable tourism, showcasing environmental, social and economic impact, governance, scalability, and long-term legacy.
Most Sustainable Sport Event
- Winner: Secto Rally Finland - Pioneering ISO 20121 & Spark the Future Sustainability Forum (AKK Sports Ltd., Finland)
Community Impact in Sports Tourism
- Winner: Salomon Cappadocia Ultra Trail (Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency & Argeus Travel & Events, Türkiye)
Innovation in Sports Tourism Development
- Winner: Saalfelden Leogang – Nature-Driven Performance in Eco-Friendly Mountain Bike Tourism (Saalfelden Leogang Touristik GmbH, Austria)
Outstanding Public-Private Parntership in Sports Tourism
- Winner: MadCup Universe (MadCup S.L., Spain)
FIA President’s Exceptional Award
- Winner: Tirana – European City of Sports 2023 (Municipality of Tirana, Albania)
UN Tourism Secretary-General Exceptional Award
- Winner: WRC UENO Rally of Paraguay 2025 (SENATUR, Paraguay)
FIA President and UN Ambassador for Sustainable Tourism in Sport, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, commented: “The diversity and quality of our inaugural winners highlights the growing global momentum behind sustainable sports tourism. These awards celebrate sport’s positive impact as a driving force of innovation, sustainable development, and economic growth, and together with UN Tourism, we are setting new benchmarks for sustainability while building a future where sport continues to unite people across borders."
A total of 70 applications were submitted by organisations worldwide, including federations, tourism boards, governments, NGOs, companies and universities, with 28 shortlisted for the final, where the winners were selected by a seven-member jury of experts.
A joint initiative between UN Tourism and the FIA, the awards recognise the projects and events that are successfully integrating sport and tourism with sustainable development.
Running annually from 2025 to 2028, awards ceremonies will alternate between UN Tourism and the FIA, with the next edition taking place at the FIA General Assemblies Week in Shanghai this December.
UN Tourism Secretary-General, H.E. Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais said: "When UN Tourism and the FIA signed the Memorandum of Understanding in 2024, we committed to advancing together a more sustainable sports tourism industry. Last night, that commitment became a reality with the inaugural ceremony for the Awards for Excellence in Sustainable Sports Tourism. This milestone proves that our collaboration is now a global platform recognizing sustainability, innovation, and community impact, turning our shared vision into a powerful legacy for the sector."
As the governing body for the world of motorsport, the FIA and its 245 Member Clubs are driving innovation in sports tourism across nearly 150 countries. Through its six FIA World Championships and races held around the world, the FIA is expanding global engagement and participation in motorsports, driving accessibility for all.
At the pinnacle of motorsport, the FIA is supporting over 190 organisations and all its championships in the transition to clean energy, with every FIA Formula One Championship team achieving a 3-star rating in the FIA Environment Accreditation Programme.
-ENDS-
For media enquiries please contact:
· Geraldine Sherwin, FIA Director of Communications (Presidential & Automotive Mobility): gsherwin@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 245 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.
TourismFIA
FIA1FIAFIATourism00Friday, March 20, 2026 - 1:40pmFriday, March 20, 2026 - 1:40pm -
WRC set for UK return with Rally Scotland from 2027
Safety newsThe FIA World Rally Championship is set to return to the United Kingdom in 2027 with the introduction of WRC Rally Scotland, marking the series’ highly-anticipated comeback to one of rallying’s most historic territories.
Developed in partnership with Motorsport UK, the new gravel event will be based in north-east Scotland, with rally headquarters and service park facilities located at the state-of-the-art P&J Live complex in Aberdeen. Stages will run across the surrounding regions of Aberdeenshire and Moray.
The agreement forms an initial three-year deal beginning in 2027 and ends a seven-year absence for the championship in the UK, following the most recent running of Wales Rally GB in 2019.
Scotland’s dramatic landscapes and world-class forest roads are expected to provide a spectacular sporting challenge for the WRC’s leading drivers and manufacturers, while the region’s infrastructure and transport links offer a strong platform for teams, media and fans attending the event.
The rally has been secured through a partnership between Motorsport UK, WRC Promoter and the Scottish Government, with support from Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire councils. Together, the stakeholders aim to establish Rally Scotland as a major international sporting event delivering significant economic and tourism benefits for the region.
The next step to make WRC Rally Scotland a reality will be for a Candidate Event to be held later this year, where the FIA will work with Motorsport UK and event organisers to evaluate and prepare for a return to World Championship-level competition. The event will then be submitted for approval on the WRC calendar by the FIA World Motor Sport Council.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, said:
"The United Kingdom is famed for its motorsport heritage and passionate fans, and the return of the FIA World Rally Championship to its shores is a huge opportunity for the continued growth of our sport. This return reflects the growing global appeal of rallying and the FIA's commitment to celebrating world-class motorsport culture globally.
"As we expand into new markets and reach new audiences - from the United States and South America, to Europe and the Middle East - we continue to drive the championship forward. The introduction of the new WRC27 regulatory package next year marks the beginning of a new era for rallying across the world as the championship goes from strength to strength."Malcolm Wilson OBE, FIA Deputy President for Sport, said:
“This is a huge announcement for the FIA World Rally Championship, and it really shows the positive direction of travel we are now taking. The United Kingdom has incredible heritage and passion for our sport, and the return of a flagship world championship event is the start of the next chapter in this long history. As we enter a new era for the WRC in 2027 with new regulations, more accessible cars and more crews fighting at the sharp end, it’s fantastic to see the appetite is there from organisers, governments and of course the fans to put together new WRC events. Alongside Motorsport UK, the WRC Promoter and the local organisers we are very much looking forward to making these plans a reality.”
Simon Larkin, Senior Events Director at WRC Promoter, said:
“Since the FIA World Rally Championship last visited the UK in 2019, Motorsport UK and WRC Promoter have worked closely together to find the right pathway for its return. We have nothing but praise for the determination and hard work shown by Motorsport UK in bringing this project to life.
“We’re delighted to be working alongside the Scottish Government and local authority partners to see this exciting initiative come to fruition - something that will benefit many, and especially the passionate rally fans across the UK.”
ENDS
For media inquiries, please contact:
Sven Good, Road Sport Communications Manager: Sgood@fia.com
About Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA)
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 245 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.
World Rally ChampionshipWRCWRC
SEASON 2026Safety1SafetyWorld Rally ChampionshipWRCSEASON 2026WRC00Monday, March 16, 2026 - 6:27pmMonday, March 16, 2026 - 6:27pm