The second cycle of the FIA’s High Performance Programme for Officials has launched, offering personalised training and development as part of the Stewards and Race Director Pathway.

Working with participants to reach the pinnacle of officiating, the programme helps them learn the skills and mindset needed to work on World Championships and within high-octane environments, tailoring educational needs and facilitating mentorships that grow their network, whilst giving them invaluable on-event experience. The programme prepares the next generation of FIA Officials, providing a ‘Top Gun’ style finishing school that ensures the Federation can continue to deliver highly competent, world-class officials to work at the highest level of motorsport.

Launched in Madrid during the FIA Officials Summit, the second cycle of the programme welcomes 12 new students – 6 Stewards and 6 Race Directors who have been chosen following a rigorous competency-based selection process. With an average age of under-40, an equal gender split, and representatives from 11 countries across 5 continents, the programme is a clear indication of the work of the FIA in ensuring accessibility and diversity across all areas of motorsport.

The training and research conducted within the programme is facilitated by the FIA University and is filtered throughout the wider FIA Officials education programme ensuring a linked and progressive pathway across all levels of the sport.

Tuta Mionki, one of last year’s FIA High Performance Programme graduates, and a Kenyan motorsport professional, commented on how transformative the programme has been: “It’s a fantastic initiative. The stewards I’ve worked with are very open and encouraging. These experiences are invaluable. I’m grateful for this opportunity and I’d like to thank the FIA President and everyone else behind this programme.”

Click here to hear more from Tuta Mionki about her experience and the next steps in her role as an FIA Steward.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “Motorsport would not exist without our Officials. The commitment and dedication that our Stewards and Race Directors bring to every event is commendable and I am proud that the FIA can deliver such as high standard of training and development.”

“The FIA is a knowledge-led federation and it is our responsibility to ensure this knowledge is shared. Through programmes like this we can identify, support, and grow top talent from across the world, providing greater accessibility and championing diversity.”

“My thanks to all involved with the programme and I look forward to seeing this year’s participants flourish.”

The second cycle of the HPP was launched during the FIA Officials Summit which is taking place at the Circuito de Madrid Jarama – RACE. The summit, the first of this scale since 2020, has welcomed over 200 officials from across the FIA championships, providing an opportunity for networking and knowledge sharing alongside educational and informational sessions.

There are currently over 300,000* formal, unpaid officials, marshals and volunteers, covering the 60,700+ motorsport events staged each year, and the FIA is dedicated to nurturing talent, continuing diversification, and supporting the volunteers who ensure every level of motorsport competition takes place in a safe, fair, and regulated way.