The programme covers a number of officials training modules, the first of which is focused on Rally and Hill Climb Marshals, as Graham Stoker, FIA Deputy President for Sport outlined. “This initiative by the FIA and the FIA Innovation Fund (FIF) will be launched on a Train the Trainer basis, in the MENA region, in Asia Pacific, the Americas, Sub-Saharan Africa and during two seminars in Europe. The aim is to equip ASNs (National Sporting Authorities) with the skills and training materials they need to teach their own populations of marshals.  This regional launch follows the development of the training materials back in 2018 with the assistance of a number of FIA Regional Training Providers.”

This first Train the Trainer event, held at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi early in July, saw delegates from 16 countries from the Middle East and North Africa come together to learn about the content of the modules and how to deliver the course to their own officials.  Delivery of the seminar was shared between two Regional Training Providers - the ATCUAE and ATCL - both well-developed ASNs and accredited by the FIA to deliver training to other clubs.

Speaking about the launch, ATCUAE President Dr Mohammed bin Sulayem said: “We have trained in over 25 countries and in every case motor sport in the country improved as a result of training. We see the RTP role as supporting the FIA in the development of motor sport around the globe and making member clubs stronger.”

Andrew Papadopoulos, President of the FIA ASN Development Taskforce with responsibility for training commented: “The aim of this approach is to equip ASNs with the skills to be able to train their own officials and other FIA-developed training modules will follow the same model of delivery from 2020.  Modules to be delivered on this basis next year will include circuit officials training for Race Marshal, Chief Marshal, Chief Recovery and Chief Scrutineer.  A programme of Regional Stewards Seminars is also planned for launch in 2020. On the medical side, a programme of regional medical seminars will begin in 2019, the first of which took place alongside the African Rally Marshals Seminar at the end of August.”