This weekend (24-26 June) was the first time the FIA has had a presence as an exhibitor at the world-renowned Goodwood Festival of Speed, and many of motor sport’s biggest stars visited the stand to see a variety of exhibits that highlight both the history and the future of racing.

Featured there were examples from every level of the single-seater pyramid from karting to Formula One, as well as some of the latest racing innovations including the new-for-2017 specification F1 Pirelli tyres and a prototype version of the ‘Halo’ driver protection device that is currently being assessed.

In a special afternoon party on the FIA stand – which took pride of place at the heart of the show grounds – FIA President Jean Todt hosted a glittering group of famous racing names including Festival of Speed founder Lord March.

“It’s our first time and I’m very happy to be here and for the FIA to be associated with the event,” said Todt. “It’s an opportunity for me to congratulate Charles March and his wife Jane for their passion and enthusiasm to promote motor sport and to inspire people’s dreams. For FIA as the motor sport governing body it’s good to be here.”

“Here in our hospitality we are really talking about the future. Of course safety is a very big part of that for us – for instance here we have a show car that displays the latest innovation in head protection in Formula One, and it’s important to see that these improvements are also implemented throughout the single-seater pyramid.

“We are showing here the progression from karting to Formula 4, Formula 3, soon Formula 2 and of course Formula One. You could describe it as a type of FIA academy for drivers as they progress, and to have it on display here is a good start.

“It is essential not only in single-seaters but any kind of motor sport.”

Lord March added, “It’s great to have the FIA involved, they have been so supportive. The event brings all genres of motor sport and indeed the pure enjoyment of driving together. In that sense all the great work they do in road safety and driver safety is also really important to us, and hopefully this is great place for them to show it off and get the information across to the public.”

A number of FIA personnel, drivers and team owners visited the stand over the weekend, including Graham Stoker, Stefano Domenicali Ross Brawn, Emerson Fittipaldi, Emanuele Pirro and Vijay Mallya.

FIA Deputy President for Sport, Graham Stoker, was also delighted to see the FIA stand captivating fans and bringing members of the motor racing community together. He gave some insight into the relationship the FIA has with Goodwood: “This is now an international event, and we are very close to it of course, in fact we had our very first Sport Conference at Goodwood just before the Festival of Speed that year. On that occasion we had hundreds of clubs from all around the world visiting – so it is absolutely in the affectionate memory of the FIA.

“Of course the MSA is a member of our Federation, and our presence here is a very logical thing and something we’re very pleased about. There are so many existing and former champions here – so many of the cars have been involved in FIA events over the years.

“I’m very proud and thankful to see our flag flying out there on the straight. The event really reinforces what is great about our sport – we all get together as friends and supporters, and that makes us stronger.”

Following on from one of the core themes explored at the recent FIA Sport Conference in Turin, capturing the passion for motor sport and inspiring the next generation was an important mission for the FIA at Goodwood. Stoker concluded: “There are so many families here, and for the next generation to be able to stand by so many amazing cars and drivers is really good for the sport. We’re already talking about plans for what we can do here next year.”