DUBAI: FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has held discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron to reaffirm the “historic” partnership between France and the world governing body for motorsport.
This is according to a statement released by the FIA about the meeting on Monday, which 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 yesterday as the FIA confirmed the renewal of its commitment to France as one of its key centers of excellence,” the organization stated on Tuesday.
Ben Sulayem reportedly said after the meeting: “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.”
The leaders celebrated France’s role in global motorsport, from historic events such as the Paris–Rouen trial in 1894 to the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The FIA stated that these contests continue to attract thousands of spectators and generates significant impact, supporting over 1,000 full time jobs and contributing over $187 million to the French economy.
Macron and Ben Sulayem also discussed France’s ongoing representation in the FIA Formula 1 Championship, and the French talent competing across the FIA World Championships.
They also highlighted the contributions of French manufacturers and promoters in shaping international motorsport, and support for the facilitation of visas for global FIA delegates attending meetings in Paris.
Also in attendance was Yann de Pontbriand, president of the Automobile Club de France, one of the FIA’s original members and the world’s first automobile club founded in 1895, and who is also president of the FIA Founding Members Clubs.
Pierre Gosselin, president of the Federation Francaise du Sport Automobile, also attended the meeting.
Ben Sulayem and Macron exchanged views on initiatives to make mobility safer, affordable, and sustainable, including the newly launched FIA Driver Safety Index, a global benchmark developed to measure and compare driver risk using artificial-intelligence technology.
Protecting young athletes and promoting respect online was another key topic. The leaders discussed the FIA’s United Against Online Abuse campaign, which aligns with France’s policies on social media safety for children.
By combining regulation, education and technology, the campaign aims to create safer, more inclusive environments for the sporting community and is supported globally by governments and sporting organizations.
“Together, we are committed to advancing safer roads, more sustainable and accessible mobility for all, and fostering innovation in motorsport that benefits communities worldwide,” Ben Sulayem added.
“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.”
