The FIA Institute has appointed its first Regional Training Providers, which will be used to help increase the safety and training standards of motor sport officials across the world.

The appointment forms a major part of the FIA Institute’s global education strategy in motor sport. The training providers will be used to encourage and implement ever higher standards of training and safety in every region.

The UK Motor Sports Association (MSA) and the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS) are the first to be granted Regional Training Provider status after demonstrating that they meet the high standards required as part of the FIA Institute’s scheme. They will now help to educate and train officials in other countries as part of the projects approved by the Motor Sport Safety Development Fund.

The Fund's programmes are managed by the FIA Institute and officials’ safety training is one of its three key areas of development. National motor sport associations seeking grants from the Fund’s Officials Safety Training Programme must designate an FIA Institute-appointed Regional Training Provider in their applications.

Currently, MSA and CAMS will be allowed to help clubs outside of their region but the long term goal for the FIA Institute is to have at least one training provider each in Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Americas, Africa and the Middle East, thus creating a network of recognised trainers around the world. Any national motor sport association can apply to become a Regional Training Provider as long as it meets the standards required.

FIA Institute President Sid Watkins said:

“There are a significant number of motor sport associations around the world that require assistance with training officials and developing sustainable training programmes. It is very important that this work is carried out by approved organisations that have already achieved high standards in these areas.”

MSA Chief Executive Officer Colin Hilton said:

“This is an extremely important initiative, and we commend the FIA Institute for its work in this area. We also recognise the significant responsibility that comes with helping other sporting associations and we are committed to carry out this work in line with the FIA Institute’s high standards.”

CAMS Chief Executive Officer Graham Fountain said:

“We are thrilled to be appointed an FIA Institute Regional Training Provider, and we are looking forward to the possibility of working with a number of national sporting associations in the Asia-Pacific region in this capacity in 2010.”

Editors note:

The Motor Sport Safety Development Fund was created to manage the distribution of motor sport safety-related grants worldwide. The Fund's resources were donated by the FIA as a result of the fine arising from the dispute between McLaren and Ferrari in the 2007 Formula One World Championship.

The Fund's programmes are managed by the FIA Institute, which has full responsibility for enhancing the programmes relating to young driver safety, facilities improvement, and safety training for officials. The FIA Institute, using the resources from the Fund, is aiming to facilitate significant and sustainable development across these three key areas.