The second FIA Volunteers Weekend has been heralded a great success, as marshals, officials, medical staff and all those who give up their time freely to carry out essential roles that make motor sport possible around the world were celebrated last weekend (18-21 May).

Seven headlining FIA events undertook a variety of activities highlighting the essential role played by volunteers across the wide spectrum of motor sport disciplines. The FIA World Rally Championship Rally of Portugal, ABB FIA Formula E Championship Berlin E-Prix, WTCR – FIA World Touring Car Cup Race of The Netherlands, FIA Historic & FIA International Hill Climb Cup event in Slovakia, FIA European Hill Climb Championship race of Subida Internacional Al Fito in Spain, Czech Republic round of the FIA Electric and New Energy & FIA Central Rally Trophy and Round 2 of the CIK-FIA European Champs & CIK-FIA European Junior Champs at PF International in Great Britain all took part.

Special FIA merchandise was distributed to these events and given to the volunteers at these events, with the fantastic level of participation highlighted in a great number of ‘family photos’ shared online.

In addition, a great number of the FIA’s National Sporting Authorities (ASNs) also joined in the celebrations with events taking place at a national level, and individual drivers, volunteers and fans added their contributions on social media.

FIA President Jean Todt took part in the occasion at the Berlin E-Prix, meeting with the marshals and medical staff and joining the photo in the paddock at the iconic Tempelhof Airport. “Without the Volunteers we could not host any kind of racing around the world,” he said. “To have the opportunity of celebrating the FIA Volunteers Weekend, not just here in Berlin, but all over the world, is a big privilege and honour for me as President of the FIA. Without the passion and commitment of volunteers, motor sport could not be hosted, from the deepest of my heart, I would like to thank all of you for what you do.”

In addition, a draw was taken by the FIA Formula E Race Director, Scot Elkins, during the marshals briefing, selecting two marshals and one scrutineer to take part in the VIP passenger lap experience on race day. Volunteers were also given the honour of getting behind the wheel on-track with some special passengers, as they drove the buggies used during the driver’s parade just before the race.

At the Rally of Portugal, FIA Safety Delegate and President of the Women in Motorsport Commission Michèle Mouton met with the rally marshals for a group photo, the WRC All Live streaming service featured interviews out on the stages with volunteers, and the star drivers gave messages of thanks on the WRC TV coverage. Graham Stoker, FIA Deputy President for Sport, Carlos Barbosa, President of the ACP, and Yves Matton, FIA Rally Director were also at the event and paid tribute to the tireless efforts of the marshals and officials.

Ahead of track action getting underway at WTCR – FIA World Touring Car Cup Race of Netherlands, the WTCR 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 exercise where he also met members of the circuit medical team.

“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.”

Sébastien Loeb Racing’s Mehdi Bennani, Yann Ehrlacher from ALL-INKL.COM Münnich Motorsport and Gianni Morbidelli (Team Mulsanne) then joined up with a team of pitlane marshals for a photocall to further promote the festivities.

Karting teamed up with this initiative under the hashtag #FIAVolunteersWeekend at the second Competition of the CIK-FIA European Championship and Junior European Championship at the British PF International circuit. Wearing caps and t-shirts in the colours of the FIA ​​Volunteer Weekend event, TVKC volunteers gathered on Sunday afternoon, just before the start of the Finals, for a highly symbolic group photo on the PF International circuit.

With many more events, ASNs, and individuals sharing their stories and experiences, the FIA Volunteers Weekend generated thousands of engagements and millions of impressions across the web, and with these messages of appreciation being spread so widely and in so many different ways, the second FIA Volunteers Weekend has undoubtedly brought the motor sport community closer together.

Anyone wishing to find out more about becoming a volunteer is encouraged to contact their local ASN.