In a significant move to bolster relations between the world of motorsport and government initiatives, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), met with His Excellency José Antonio Kast, President of Chile, yesterday in Santiago. The discussions aimed to strengthen the existing ties between the FIA and Chilean authorities, focusing on advancement in mobility and motorsport.
Shared Priorities in Mobility and Motorsport
During the meeting, both leaders emphasized their common goals concerning road safety, sustainable mobility, and the development of motorsport opportunities in Chile. This encounter comes at a pivotal moment for South America, particularly as the continent prepares to host a round of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) in Paraguay, along with the FIA Americas conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina, which will bring together member clubs from across the region.
Commitment to Online Safety in Sports
A notable outcome of the discussions was the signing of the FIA Charter “United Against Online Abuse” (UAOA) by President Kast. This alliance, established in 2023 by President Ben Sulayem, spearheads efforts to combat online abuse in sports. It unites governments, sports federations, and technology firms in a collective mission to ensure a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment within the sporting community. With this signing, Chile joins 13 other governments worldwide as a member of the initiative.
The Role of Chile in the FIA Community
Highlighting Chile’s importance in the FIA community, Mohammed Ben Sulayem remarked, “Chile plays a prominent role within the FIA, given its rich history in motorsport and clear ambition for automotive mobility’s future. From hosting the FIA World Rally Championship to substantial investments in road and telecommunications networks, there is a steadfast commitment to supporting these vital areas.”
Enhanced Road Safety Initiatives
In line with the discussions on mobility, Ben Sulayem also reviewed the FIA’s efforts to enhance road safety through data-driven initiatives, including the Road Safety Index (RSI) and the Driver Safety Index (DSI). These tools offer governments and organizations practical measures for evaluating and improving road safety performance, which ultimately aims to reduce fatalities and injuries from traffic accidents.
Contributions of the Chilean Automobile Club
The discussions spotlighted the contributions of the Chilean Automobile Club (ACCHI), which plays a critical role in promoting safe and sustainable mobility throughout the nation. Under the leadership of President Alejandro Quintana, who was present at the meeting, ACCHI has recently become one of nine new member clubs of the FIA to adopt the Driver Safety Index (FIA DSI), utilizing technology and data to better understand and manage driver risks.
Advancing Safe Mobility and Motorsport Development
Through the FIA’s Safe and Sustainable Mobility Grant programme and the “Mobility for All and for Life” initiative, the Chilean Automobile Club has also implemented internationally recognized tools to assess road infrastructure around schools, thereby creating safer journeys for children. Moreover, efforts are in progress to develop a digital platform aimed at raising awareness about key mobility issues and directly engaging with the Chilean public.
Future of Motorsport in Chile
The dialogue extended to the ongoing development of motorsport in Chile, highlighting the role of the Chilean motorsport federation (FADECH), a sporting member of the FIA within the country. The collaborative approach between the FIA and Chilean authorities signifies a promising future for both mobility and motorsport in the region.