Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
The head of world motorsports body Mohammed ben Sulayem has met with French President Emmanuel Macron to reaffirm the historic partnership between the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and France. The meeting yesterday highlighted shared priorities across motorsport, road safety, mobility, and the protection of young people online.
With the FIA’s headquarters situated in Paris, France holds a unique place in the Federation’s heritage, and this was further highlighted as the FIA confirmed the renewal of its commitment to France as one of its key centres of excellence.
Speaking at length, the leaders celebrated France’s pivotal role in global motorsport, from historic events such as the Paris–Rouen trial in 1894 to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which continues to attract thousands of spectators and generates significant impact, supporting over 1,000 full time jobs and contributing over €162m to the French economy.
As FIA President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, said: “Today highlights the deep and historic connection between France and the FIA, a bond that stretches back to the founding of our Federation in Paris over a century ago.
“Together, we are committed to advancing safer roads, more sustainable and accessible mobility for all, and fostering innovation in motorsport that benefits communities worldwide. France has always been at the heart of automotive progress, and it is a privilege to work alongside President Macron to ensure this legacy continues while addressing the challenges of the modern mobility landscape.”
The conversation also focused on road safety and sustainable mobility, initiatives such as the newly launched FIA Driver Safety Index – a first of its kind global benchmark developed to measure and compare driver risk using cutting-edge AI technology – and the United Against Online Abuse (UAOA) campaign among others.
The Presidents were joined by President Yann de Pontbriand of the Automobile Club de France (ACF), one of the FIA’s original members and the world’s first automobile club founded in 1895, and Pierre Gosselin, President of the Fédération Française du Sport Automobile.
