*Racers give thanks to those people who help make motorsport events happen
*Work of marshals on duty at Zandvoort highlighted around the world
*Monteiro: “The job they do is probably the most important in our industry”

Ahead of the main track action getting underway at WTCR Race of Netherlands, the WTCR OSCARO drivers joined volunteer marshals on duty at Zandvoort for a group photograph.

Boutsen Ginion Racing Honda driver Tiago Monteiro then visited a marshals’ post for a filming activity where he also met members of the circuit medical team. He spoke to Chief Track Marshal Rob Bunschoten to discover more about the essential duties undertaken.

Finally, Sébastien Loeb Racing’s Mehdi Bennani, Yann Ehrlacher from ALL-INKL.COMMünnich Motorsport and Gianni Morbidelli (Team Mulsanne) joined up with a team of pitlane marshals – headed by Chief Pitlane Marshal Edgar Rebergen – for a photocall to further promote the FIA Volunteers Weekend.

“It’s an amazing job they’re doing,” said Monteiro. “They’re here to keep everyone safe and when something bad happens they can save lives. Obviously I have a very recent experience with that. I was unconscious after my testing crash last September but, as far as I know, they did an amazing job in Barcelona and they do an amazing job all around the world. The job they do is probably the most important in our industry.”

The inaugural FIA Volunteers Day took place in 2017. It was such a resounding success in ensuring that the important message of thanks reached the thousands of volunteers who dedicate their time to make motorsport possible, while also serving as a catalyst for encouraging new volunteers to the sport, that it has been expanded to a full weekend of celebrations this year.

Six headline race events will lead the charge in raising awareness of the volunteers who carry out the wide variety of essential roles without which the events would simply not happen.

Throughout the weekend, the entire motorsport community – from volunteers and officials to fans, drivers and members of the media – are encouraged to join in and show their appreciation on social media. Using the hashtag #FIAVolunteersWeekend on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, people can share photos and stories of themselves in action on the day, connecting motorsport volunteers at all levels from all around the world – from club events to world championships.

“Volunteers are the unsung heroes of motorsport,” said FIA President Jean Todt. “Without them, quite simply, we would not be able to go racing. It is important for the FIA to recognise their vital contribution, and the occasion of the FIA Volunteers Weekend shines the spotlight on their hard work and dedication to ensuring the safety and success of events the world over.

“This is also an opportunity to promote the positive benefits that volunteers gain from their involvement, and help attract new people to motorsport.”

As well as FIA WTCR OSCARO, the FIA World Rally Championship event in Portugal, the Berlin round of the FIA Formula E Championship, the FIA World Touring Car Cup race in The Netherlands, the FIA Historic and FIA International Hill Climb Cup event in Slovakia, the Czech Republic round of the FIA Electric and New Energy and FIA Central Rally Trophy and Round 2 of the CIK-FIA European Champs and CIK-FIA European Junior Champs at PF International, Great Britain will lead the celebrations, with activities taking place to thank the marshals, race officials and medical staff who devote their time with no financial remuneration.

As part of the FIA Volunteers Weekend, a survey and prize draw will be launched for motorsport volunteers, who by entering will have the chance to win tickets to Formula One, World Rally and Formula E events.

Those interested in becoming a volunteer are advised to contact their national motorsport federation.