The Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) and the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) are pleased to announce the joint FIM and FIA Women in Motorsports Conference coming to the Royal Automobile Club in London on 12th December 2022 (10:30 – 16:30).
Motorsports are one of the very few sports allowing women and men to compete on equal terms. Both federations, FIM and FIA, have long been committed to bringing greater opportunities for women in their sports. On several occasions, the FIM Women in Motorcycling Commission and FIA Women in Motorsport Commission have already previously joined forces to advance gender equality and help women take their place, both on track and off track.
The FIM and FIA Women in Motorsports Conference will bring together key individuals working towards developing greater gender diversity in motorsports across various opportunities such as volunteering, engineering, team management, medical and safety personnel, and athlete welfare. With a variety of presentations and dynamic speakers for the event, it will be free to view live via the FIM and FIA Facebook pages.
FIM President, Jorge Viegas: “At FIM we strive to make the world of motorcycling welcoming and accessible to everyone. Our Women’s commission is committed to improving gender diversity within our sport, but much more is still to be done. I am, therefore, thrilled to be hosting this conference in close cooperation with the FIA in an effort to raise awareness of the cause. There is a vast array of opportunities out there for the future leaders of motorsport, and it’s our duty to promote them! I am tremendously grateful to all the parties that made this event possible.”
FIA President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem: “Equality, Diversity and Inclusion lies at the heart of the FIA manifesto under my leadership. The FIA Women in Motorsport Commission is leading the way in our mission to create greater opportunities for women in all facets of motorsport. This joint conference brings together key individuals from the worlds of two and four-wheeled motorsport to shine a light on the variety of career paths open to women. I am very grateful for the support of the Royal Automobile Club in hosting this important gathering.”
FIM Women in Motorcycling Commission Director, Nita Korhonen: “This conference is a great symbol of the two governing bodies of motorsport joining forces and doing their utmost to achieve a more gender-diverse and equal world. Together we want to make sure that anyone who wants to join the motorcycling and motorsport family is welcome to do so. This conference will show that there are multiple ways to be involved in the wonderful world of two and four wheels. I want to thank the Royal Automobile Club, our partners, speakers, and, of course, the FIA for their great cooperation.”
FIA Women in Motorsport Commission President, Deborah Mayer: “I am extremely pleased with this conference which will highlight the role and opportunities for women in motorsports, both on and off the track. By working closely with the FIM, and other international sporting federations in the future, we aim to raise awareness and inspire vocation on a wider scale. We are highly thankful and grateful to our invaluable partners, and to the speakers who will honour us with their contribution.”
Ben Cussons, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club: “As a founder-member of the FIA, it is a pleasure to host the FIA/FIM Women in Motorsports Conference at our London clubhouse. With 125 years of history, the Club’s distinguished history mirrors that of motoring and motorsport itself – it founded the Auto-Cycle Union in 1903, which organised the inaugural Isle of Man TT in 1907. Today, the Club continues to develop and support automobilism, whether with two, three or four wheels, through an active array of events, activities and awards. We very much look forward to welcoming everyone in December.”
Friné Velilla, Dorna Sports’ MotoGP™ Media Manager will take part in a panel of speakers at the 2022 conference to discuss how athletes should liaise with the media. “This conference is important for everyone involved in motorsports. Not only to network and give a voice to women in all categories of two and four wheel racing, but to meet other counterparts with similar roles in other sports and learn how they deal with comparable situations or adversities carrying out their duties in a frantic environment.”
During her previous attendance at the Women in Motorsports Conference held in Finland in 2019, she was able to meet many female riders, entrepreneurs, and leaders from all areas of motorcycle racing, but as an upcoming panellist she is excited to give her feedback and share the knowledge after 13 seasons in her role of Media Manager dealing with media, the riders and many other bodies involved in the organization of the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship.