As part of the FIA’s ongoing commitment to operational safety, the most recent in a series of regional Operational Safety Delegate briefings events has taken place at the Motor & Sport Institute in Spain from 1st- 2nd March.

17 autonomous federations and 44 attendees from the Real Federación Española de Automovilismo (RFEDA) were in attendance to undertake the programme which is supported by the FIA Foundation’s Motor Sport Safety Grant.

The event, hosted by RFEDA at the Motor & Sport Institute in Madrid, marked the first occasion this specialized briefing took place in Spain. The programme was meticulously tailored to address the distinct characteristics and demands of Spanish motorsport, integrating key components of the FIA's regional operational safety delegate framework into a uniquely Spanish context.

This Spanish edition of the Operational Safety Delegate briefing was attended by delegates from the following autonomous federations, which represent 85% of road motorsport activity in Spain.

• Federación Andalucía
• Federación Aragón
• Federación Canarias
• Federación Cantabria
• Federación Castilla La Mancha
• Federación Castilla y León
• Federación Cataluña
• Federación Comunidad Valenciana
• Federación Extremadura
• Federación Galicia
• Federación La Palma
• Federación Islas Baleares
• Federación Gran Canaria
• Federación Madrid
• Federación Principado de Asturias
• Federación Región de Murcia
• Federación Tenerife

The briefing included detailed workshops, sharing of best practices, dynamic interactive seminars, and case study analysis. A key aspect of the program was the opportunity to apply these learnings in a real stage environment, ensuring practical, hands-on experience. The sessions were led by Nicolas Klinger, FIA WRC Safety Delegate and President of the Closed Road Commission, who said,

“Supporting this briefing in Spain has been a fantastic opportunity to engage directly with the national and regional federations. Practical, hands-on sessions combined with insightful discussions help ensure that safety standards continue to evolve and improve. Spain has a deep-rooted motorsport culture, and it’s essential that we reinforce global best practices to support safe and successful events here. The enthusiasm and dedication of the participants here in Madrid have been truly impressive, and I look forward to seeing the impact of this briefing in future events."

José Vicente Medina, RFEDA’s Vice President and Safety Delegate commented:

“We are delighted to have hosted this event, which, Nicolas Klinger’s deep expertise and his generous way of sharing it with the audience, has exceeded all our expectations. I am confident that all attendees will return home with a strong sense of having gained valuable insights over the weekend. This experience will undoubtedly help us enhance our safety standards and improve safety devices and protocols for the future.”

Ángel Cano, President of FEXA (Federación Extremadura) added:

“It has been a pleasure to attend this event, and we have taken away valuable new insights which we can implement in the rallies we will organize throughout the season. I would like to express my gratitude to the Spanish RFEDA and the FIA, represented by Nicolas Klinger, who has generously shared his extensive knowledge and experience.”

José Manuel Punter, Organiser of Rallye de Teruel said:

“I would like to highlight the excellent balance between theoretical content and practical exercises on the road. This combination allowed attendees to reinforce their learning, clarify doubts and apply the knowledge shared in our upcoming events."