Robert Reid: “Motorsport has always been a laboratory for research and innovation”
FIA Deputy President for Sport, Robert Reid, took part in Formula E’s inaugural innovation summit at London’s Excel Centre.
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Entitled, Change. Accelerated. Live, the event was the precursor to rounds 13 and 14 of the 2022 season – the London E-Prix – on the streets of the iconic British capital on July 30-31.
The summit brought together experts from across motorsport, sustainability, politics, education and business. The main theme centred on how leaders in the field of technology and sustainability are utilising the unique power of motorsport to drive innovation and contribute towards sustainable human progress.
Robert Reid was joined by a panel which included David Richards, Chairman of Motorsport UK to provide insights in the role Formula E is playing in accelerating the transfer of technology and expertise from race to road and its positive impact on society as a whole.
“Motorsport has always been a laboratory for research and innovation and through FIA world championships like Formula E, we can accelerate the technology transfer to mobility in the areas of electrification. We can illustrate that electric mobility can be safe and entertaining and have a positive impact on the environment.
“Under the broader FIA portfolio, we are mirroring that process with the 2022 hybrid power unit in Formula 1, Rally1 plug-in hybrid technology in WRC, the FIA World Rallycross Championship which is fully-electric in 2022 and with LM Hypercars in the World Endurance Championship.
“In other areas of technology and sustainability, we are creating change through the introduction of 100% sustainable biofuel in the FIA European Truck Racing Championship in 2021.
“As an organisation, we are already carbon neutral and we are working towards net zero carbon in 2030. We are taking significant steps along that journey. By 2025 all FIA world championships will need to reach the highest level of the FIA Environmental Accreditation, and by 2026, all FIA championships will be required to be powered by 100% sustainable energies – from advanced, sustainable drop-in fuels to battery and hydrogen technologies. All of these will play a critical role in the future of the entire transportation industry.”
Deborah Mayer, President of the FIA Women In Motorsport Commission was also among the speakers during the summit as was Saul Billingsley, Executive Director, FIA Foundation.