The FIA and representatives from its national sporting authorities (ASNs) across Central Europe assembled in Ljubljana this week (14-15 December) for the fourth edition of the FIA Sport Regional Congress held in the zone.

The Congress, hosted for the first time by Zveza Za Avto Šport Slovenije - AŠ 2005, was led by FIA President Jean Todt, FIA Deputy President for Sport Graham Stoker, FIA Secretary General for Sport Peter Bayer, AŠ 2005 President Anton Anderlic and CEZ Coordinator Zrinko Gregurek.

“The continued health of motor sport in Central Europe is always a source of great encouragement for me. At the fourth edition of the FIA Sport Regional Congress for this zone we have been able to reflect on the progress made during the past 12 months,” said President Todt.

“I would like to congratulate Anton Anderlic and his team for the excellent organisation of the Congress in the wonderful city of Ljubljana. The warm hospitality extended to the ASN delegations is greatly appreciated.”

The Congress programme included sessions on how ASNs can create a safety culture, progress the management and development of officials, and make further strides in wider motor sport development, all organised under the leadership of the FIA’s ASN Development Task Force presided over by Andrew Papadopoulos.

Todt continued: ”The Central European Zone is extremely active and an example of high-level motor sport all over the world. I am proud to say that the Region welcomes 221 FIA events, including 4 Formula One Grands Prix, 2 World Rally Championship events, 1 World Touring Car Cup event and 3 World Cup for Cross Country Rallies and Bajas. Of course, there is also the new Formula E event in Rome, and earlier this month we had drivers from Italy, Belarus and Turkey taking part in the GT Nations Cup in Bahrain, with Turkey crowned the inaugural champions. The importance of motor sport across Central Europe is clear to see, and it was particularly special to have the CEZ Prize Giving held within the context of this Congress, providing a wonderful opportunity to reward the many passionate competitors from a wide variety of disciplines.

“Notwithstanding the success achieved in this zone, there is still a great deal we can accomplish together, and we rely on the determination and enthusiasm of the ASNs to continue to ensure the vitality of motor sport in the region.

In closing, President Todt said: “There is a strong spirit of unity between the sport clubs, which this congress has served to further strengthen. The next twelve months provides much opportunity for advancement and I look forward to seeing what can be achieved through the hard work and passion of the CEZ ASNs.”