The inaugural FIA Institute Safety Summit commenced at the Paul Ricard Circuit today with attendance from high-level representatives from the world of sport.

The two-day Summit, which focuses on the theme of Risk Management in Sport, will feature keynote speeches from Max Mosley, President of the FIA, and Roland Blanchet, the Directeur de Cabinet for Jean-François Lamour, the French Minister for Sport.

The programme includes presentations from a number of high profile sporting figures including Tsutomu Tomita, Chairman and Team Principal of Panasonic Toyota Racing, Alex Wurz, F1 Driver, Williams F1 Team, and Dr Patrick Schamasch, Director of the Medical and Scientific Department at the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Professor Sid Watkins, FIA Institute President, who will also speak at the event, said:

“This impressive line-up demonstrates the global importance of a seminar about Risk Management in Sport. I am particularly proud that the FIA Institute is the first organisation to address this subject at a high level event. It is also extremely pleasing that we are able to host the first of this new programme of events at the Paul Ricard circuit.”

Delegates from the world of motor sport include representatives of the Grand Prix Drivers Association, senior representatives of racing and rally teams, manufacturers, promoters, circuit administrators and officials, medical practitioners and motor sport safety equipment manufacturers. They will be joined by representatives from Football, Rugby, Skiing, Cycling, American Football and Boxing.

The objective of the conference will be to identify a common strategy for reducing the risks and maximising the benefits of sport through the development of a programme of best practice.

Professor Gérard Saillant, FIA Institute Deputy President, who is chairing the event, said:

“By bringing together senior officials from a number of sports around the globe we can examine common problems and discuss potential solutions. This event is of utmost significance as it will ultimately help organisers, promoters and competitors to minimise the risks and maximise the benefits of their sport.”