FIM Europe MAG 6 2015

Nr 6/2015 - November/December

SPORTING COMMISSIONS MEETINGS MANAGEMENT COUNCIL IN ROME

FIM EUROPE FOR ROAD SAFETY

INDEX

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FIM Europe for Road Safety

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FIM Europe at International Six Days of Enduro

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Sporting Commissions Meeting in Fiumicino

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Management Council Nordic Council in Copenhagen

FIM Europe at Gala in Jerez

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Chief Editor: Fiammetta La Guidara FIM EUROPE Via Giulio Romano, 18 00196 - Rome Italy E-mail: fimeuropepress@gmail.com

FIM Europe MAG #6 November - December 2015 The articles published in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the official position of FIM Europe.

The content of this publication is based on the best knowledge and information available at the time the articles were written.

The copyring of articles and photos even partially is forbidden unless permission has been requested from FIM Europe in advance and reference is made to the source (ŠFIM Europe)

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White Paper for Road Safety On 14th July the European Parliament transport committee voted on a report (and amendments) that will revise the 2011 White Paper on Transport.

This statement was adopted: “Motorcycles play a significant role in sustainable mobility, especially in urban areas where they contribute to tackling congestion and parking problems”.

They certainly do in Rome where 700,000 are in regular use, and in Barcelona which has the second largest parc of powered two wheelers after Rome. In north European cities too there is increasing use of motorcycles.

So what does the European Parliament propose? A White paper FIM Europe Mag 6/2015

is a framework that sets the agenda. Parliament wants action to improve roads. Not just the highways, but urban and rural roads where ninety percent of fatal collisions occur.

Other proposals include improved driver training for professional drivers, and promotion of post licence training for all road users. – FIM Europe welcomes this as many of our federations promote additional training for riders. It is good that at last this type of work is getting recognition.

Dangerous offenders who commit traffic offences when under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or who are involved in aggressive behaviour, should be subject to

medical and psychological tests before being allowed back on the road.

These and other measures in the report of Dutch MEP Wim van de Camp (who led the discussions) will now be put to a full Parliament session in Strasbourg. – Mr van de Camp knows what he is talking about as he is also a motorcyclist!

"I am very happy that the importance of motorcycles is recognized in this paper”, stated Dr Wolfgang Srb, FIM Europe President. "FIM Europe will continue the efforts in Brussels, where legislation is made. We simply need to have a strong role in this process”.

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FIM Europe meets FEMA and ACEM in Brussels

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From the left, Jesper Christensen, Director FIM/CAP, Morten Hansen, General Secretary NMCU, Silvio Manicardi, FIM-Europe 2nd Deputy President, Anna Zee, FEMA President, Dolf Willigers, FEMA Secretary General

On 23rd and 24th of October FIM, FIM-Europe and FEMA met again to finalize the different Common Papers that will be the base for all future lobby activities in the 47 different European Countries where there are the National Federations and obviously in Brussels.

PTW (Powered Two Wheelers) are one of the solutions to improve ci-

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ties circulation but require also attention from the authorities to create a favorable environment also from a safety point of view.

In the afternoon of October 24th the group attended the annual ACEM Conference with the participation of Parliament, Commission and Industry representatives.

Mr Silvio Manicardi, FIM Europe 2nd Deputy President, commented: “Congratulations to ACEM for the usual interesting annual conference. FIM-Europe is fully supporting the efforts made by the Commission, industry, organizations to promote future mobility solutions that will take care of the human health�.

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FIM Europe and FEMA welcome the new report on motorcycle safety from OECD-ITF

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From the left, Nathanaël Gagnaire Secretary General of FFMC, FEMA member organisation in France, Veronique Feypell de La Beaumelle, Administrator from the International Transport Forum at the OECD, José Viegas, Secretary-General of the ITF, Jean-Pierre Moreau, Chairman of the FIM Europe Public Affairs panel and also a member of the FIM CAP

FIM Europe – and our partner FEMA – welcome the new report on motorcycle safety from OECD-ITF (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development – International Transport Forum).

Now there is official recognition that alongside the 62 million cars produced every year there are also 50 million new motorcycles, scooters and mopeds.

These riders also need to be taken care of in transport and road safety policies.

The process began in 2008 with the OECD-ITF conference co-organised with FEMA in Lillehammer, Norway. FIM was also present alongside experts and riders representatives from around the world. There it was agreed this report should be prepared and it has taken until 2014 to get it finalised.

The report’s principal recommendations set the frame for governments to work in, both in the developed Countries and in middle and low income nations. The ITF member-

ship includes major motorcycling Countries India and China as well as those in the OECD nations.

Riders will also expect that this document is respected in policy decisions taken on motorcycling by the European Union. Many of the issues that concern riding are today taken at EU level.

Political leaders and officials in Brussels are invited to take note!

Based on the finding of this report FEMA and FIM Europe have issued the joint declaration.

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also, as were representatives from motorcycling organisations across the world.

Following the event in Norway, OECD-ITF decided to use the 19 statements that came out of the conference as basis for a comprehensive report on motorcycle safety. A working group with experts representing 18 OECD and ITF countries was established.

In 2014 the process came to a conclusion and in July FEMA and FIM Europe were invited to comment on the final draft. Both organisations found the comprehensive 200 pages expert draft report important and likely to Joint position statement ITF (the International Tran- heavily influence the global FEMA and FIM Europe sport Forum) at the OECD is motorcycle safety work in the an inter-governmental orga- years to come. nisation with 54 member In the draft report FEMA and Background to this statement countries. It acts as a strategic think tank with the objec- FIM Europe have identified tive of helping shape the seven major areas of great transport policy agenda on a importance that are in accorOECD (the Organisation for global level. The ITF organi- dance with the positions of Economic Cooperation and ses an annual summit of mini- the riders’ organisations in Development) is an inter-gosters along with leading Europe and elsewhere. The vernmental organisation, representatives from indu- following recommendations with its headquarters in stry, civil society and acade- and statements are extracts Paris, France. OECD reports mia. taken verbatim from the carry great prestige as they are known for their high qua- In 2008 OECD-ITF hosted a OECD-ITF draft report on the lity. They have a major in- conference on motorcycling safety of powered two-wheefluence on policy making by and safety in the Norwegian lers and constitutes a comgovernments and other orga- town of Lillehammer. This mon platform for cooperation nisations, for example the event was co organised by between FEMA and FIM EuEuropean Union.

FEMA. FIM was in attendance rope.

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1. MOBILITY

PTWs are becoming an important component of the transport system and therefore need to be properly integrated into mobility plans.

The powered two-wheeler population (which includes motorcycles, scooters and mopeds) has been constantly increasing and plays a significant role in mobility in many countries, particularly in many of the world’s large cities.

In many cities, PTWs have become a real alternative to passenger cars given the level of traffic congestion.

PTWs indeed present a number of advantages including flexibility, reliability of travel time, and lower cost of use

compared to a private car.

of every kind of PTW should In summary, PTWs play a be trained. Training should major role in transport for not only focus on basic manovarious reasons in different euvring skills and mastering locations. They represent an traffic situations, but also adopportunity to improve mo- dress attitudes towards sability, in conjunction with fety, putting a special emphasis on hazard perceppublic transport, in tion and defensive riding. many cities suffering from significant congestion and par- It is, however, worth noticing king challenges.

They that a very restrictive and constitute an integral part of complicated motorcycle lithe traffic system, poten- censing system might result tially able to meet important in delinquency by some riders while unnecessarily future needs in society. complicating the process.

The curricula for training and education of drivers in all Novice riders of every kind of other vehicle categories PTW should be trained. should also focus on risk awaEven more than for driving a reness when dealing with car, riding a PTW requires te- PTWs, their vulnerability, chnical skills. Novice riders and crash patterns.

2. TRAINING

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The instructor’s competence and attitude towards road safety are critical. There should be minimum competence requirements for instructors according to the training they provide. The requirements could be on the instructors’ own riding competence, and their pedagogical competence e.g. competence in coaching.

It is important that the driving instructors’ education is developed so that they can fulfil the intention of the curriculum.

3. AWARENESS

Perception and awareness of PTWs by other road users have been recognized as part of the critical points characterizing the problems of interaction of these vehicles within the traffic system.

In situations where a car driver fails to give way to a PTW rider, the car driver often admits having looked in the direction of the motorcyclist prior to manoeuvring, but not having seen the rider who was theoretically visible. “Fail to While there is little scientific look” and “look but fail to evidence, it is likely that well- see” are the two main categodesigned post-licence training ries of perceptual errors that courses focused on refreshing contribute to crashes. basic manoeuvring skills and risk awareness can be useful Regarding high visibility cloto some riders (for example thing, research shows different results regarding their the “returning” riders).

effectiveness in reducing conspicuity related crashes, depending on time and location.

In short, when riding through highly dense traffic, a rider should wear bright clothing.

When riding mostly in openspace (cruising) a rider is better off wearing darker clothing. At night reflective clothing is more effective.

4. INFRASTRUCTURE

The road environment has a significant influence on the risk of crashes involving PTWs.

The road environment has a significant influence on the risk of crashes involving PTWs. Contributing factors include: road surface defects (such as unevenness, potholes

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pact on the harmony and efficiency of the interactions between road users, specifically between cars and PTWs drivers. More particularly, it can condition the capacity of car drivers to detect the PTW, and favour a driving speed conducive to safety, both elements recognized as critical in crashes involving PTWs.

straint system. However, some of these installations can be extremely aggressive for PTW riders. Guardrails with unprotected posts are a real danger for motorcyclists.

Allowing PTWs to travel in bus lanes is not necessarily a measure to improve safety, but rather to improve traffic flow. It has safety implications, however. Traffic management meaIt is sometimes more effec- sures can have a dual tive to act indirectly on the purpose: facilitating PTW trafroad infrastructure than di- fic and increasing safety. rectly on the road users.

Engineers, road designers and Human behaviour is partly providers, local authorities, the product of the environroad safety auditors and inment in which humans opespectors should be trained to rate. The road layout will consider PTWs in the design, thus have a decisive inconstruction, maintenance fluence on their activity, and operation of roads, and whether behavioural or cognibe provided with the necestive (psychological). sary risk assessment tools to PTW-friendly road design, make the right decisions. maintenance and infrastructure generally benefit all road users. The aim is to ensure 5. INTELLIGENT TRANSPORT that the safety of PTW riders SYSTEMS is considered in the design It is essential that the view and maintenance of roads and and needs of the motorcythe implementation of traffic clists be properly understood management plans. and researched and this kno-

or debris on the road); presence of slippery material (water, oil ) on the road; road markings with insufficient skid resistance or use of raised pavement markers; poor road alignment; presence of obstacles, roadside hazards and safety barriers, and interaction with other road users (including heavy vehicles, cars, cyclists, pedestrians and A consistent road and road enother PTWs). vironment invite road users Consequently, the quality of to adopt the appropriate bethe road layout and adequate haviour. A self-explaining road traffic management play an allows road users to anticiimportant role in helping ripate changes in the local road ders in mastering their vehicontext. cles, preventing loss of control, and influencing inte- When potentially aggressive ractions with the other road obstacles in the safety zone users. Infrastructure determi- cannot be avoided, the last nes and organizes the way option is to isolate road users road users interact. The road from these obstacles by the layout has an important im- installation of a vehicle re-

wledge be used to develop the design of ITS devices, which are acceptable to them.

Safety research addressing the development and application of ITS technologies has focused primarily on passenger vehicles and has not been vigorously developed or applied to motorcycles. Nevertheless, existing and emerging ITS research results have the

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potential to be adapted to motorcycles. The two research areas below have the potential to significantly contribute to such applications.

The human-machine interface (HMI) requirements of the motorcycle are hugely different from passenger cars. The driving task requires more instantaneous attention and the possibilities to provide visual or audio information in a safe manner are limited due to the position of the dashboard, the helmet and the background noise experienced by the motorcyclist.

The impact of systems that intervene in the riding task is quite different from passenger cars and requires specific R&D. Stability is critical on a motorcycle and imposes very different constraints compared to 4-wheeled vehicles.

The process of deployment of Advanced or Automatic Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) is extremely complicated notably due to the leaning behaviour of motorcycle.

6. RESEARCH

variety of disciplines (e.g. civil and mechanical engineers, economists, educationalists, psychologists, transport planners, lawyers etc.) is key to the development of a consistent set of measures to address real issues regarding the safety of PTW riders.

lenge is to ensure that any measures taken to improve PTW safety are supported both by the broader community and by PTW riders in particular.

This leads to consideration of whether the conventional Safe System approach should ITS requires more R&D on its be modified by recognising capacity to prevent PTW cra- that, in the short to medium shes. Further investigation is term, use of PTWs will remain required dealing with the an inherently risky activity content and effectiveness of and that measures should be training, including post-li- taken to reduce risk. This may cence training, with the aim result in, for example, strateof improving the behaviour gies that focus more on avoiand safety of both drivers and riders.

7. SAFE SYSTEM

The safe system approach recognises the fact that road users can make mistakes, or take inappropriate decisions; the role of the system is first to minimize the production of these errors and secondly to prevent road users from death and serious injuries when errors occur.

Inclusion of PTW riAdditional research is needed ders into the Safe Syto better understand current stem yields two challenges related to PTW challenges. The first mobility and safety. is the technical proOperational research and de- blem of providing provelopment is needed to tection from physical achieve a traffic system which harm at the speeds at better integrates and protects which collisions with PTWs in a cost efficient man- other vehicles or ner. A co-ordinated and con- fixed objects are licerted cooperation between a kely. The second chal-

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ding crashes, rather than mitigating their effects, as outlined above in the Swedish strategy.

lity for implementing a PTW safety strategy will rest with governments and industry, no significant change will be posThe risk mitigation approach sible without engagement then poses another challenge with the community to ensure for jurisdictions. While the that they are aware of the Safe System approach, for shared responsibility for road example as exemplified by Vi- safety. This extends beyond sion Zero, reinforces the responsibility on the road to unacceptability of trauma, a responsibility at other times. risk reduction approach to Facilitating a safety dialogue some extend confirms that among the motorcycling comsome level of risk is accepta- munity has proven to be an ble. effective tool in conveying saWhile much of the responsibi- fety messages.

CONCLUSION

FEMA and FIM Europe agree with the seven statements made in the draft report and cited here.

We consider that they should be used as a template on which to assess any policy related to these issues. They also provide a basis on which to assess all other policies related to motorcycle safety and the use of powered two wheelers in general.

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On the left Anna Zee, President of FEMA, then Rolf Frieling, Biker Union, Germany, John Chatterton-Ross, FIM, Inés Ayala Sender, Member of the EU Parliament, Wim van de Camp, Member of the EU Parliament, Jan Breckwoldt, Suzuki Germany, Veronique Feypell de La Beaumelle, International Transport Forum, Steve Aeschlimann, FIM, Didier de Radiguès, former GP motorcycle racer, Jesper Christensen, FIM, Morten Hansen, Norwegian Motorcyclists Union, Silvio Manicardi, Vice President FIM Europe

FIM Dinner debate in the EU Parliament, Brussels Hosted by Wim van de Camp MEP and Inés Ayala Sender MEP the 2015 edition saw the launch of a new report by the International Transport Forum on motorcycle safety, on November 12th in Brussels.

between FIM Europe and the Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations (FEMA).

This has led to a new partnership between the two organisations.

From the European CommisVéronique Feypell de La Beau- sion Magda Kopczynska, Direcmelle outlined the process tor from DG Move, with that led to this work starting responsibility for innovation at a motorcycling conference and sustainability in transport, held in Norway back in 2008. also spoke to the guests. She The report is very positive to- stressed the importance of acwards motorcycling. commodating the needs of the Jesper Christensen, FIM Direc- 37 million riders of motorcytor of the Public Affairs Com- cles, scooters and mopeds in mission, explained to guests the EU. that the ITF report has formed A lively question and answer the basis of new discussions session was opened by special 14

guest former Grand Prix motorcyclist Didier de Radiguès.

Also known today to Belgian motorcyclists as a commentator on MotoGP for Belgian television, Didier explained that he also owns two motorcycle schools, one in Belgium, the other in France.

For 2015 Suzuki sponsored the event by providing the motorcycle for the photo call before the dinner.

FIM is grateful to Mr van de Camp and Madame Sender who took time away from their schedule to host the event, and welcome guests into the EU Parliament.

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The Sporting Commissions Meeting in Fiumicino

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The FIM Europe Commission Meetings have been opened by the first session of Sporting Commissions, which would be followed by the second session of Sporting Commissions in November and by the Non-Sporting Commissions next January The meeting was held, as in the past, in Tiber Hotel in Fiumicino, near Rome (Italy). In this first session, the meeting of Motocross, Enduro, Trial, Supermoto and Drag Racing Commissions were held, with the participation of the Sporting Council Chairman Mr Martin de Graaff and of FIM Europe Secretary General Mr Alessandro Sambuco. Joining the meeting, also Oriol Puig Bulto, Director of International Technical Commission of FIM, Tony Skillington, Director of Motocross Commission of FIM and Thierry

Michaud, Director of the Trial Commission of FIM.

thstream Marc Pauwels joined the meeting because the coo"The presence of FIM directors peration with the promoter is is important for the coopera- important for combined events tion with FIM and for the har- in the World and European monization of rules between Championships. It dealt with FIM and FIM Europe", Mr Martin rules, calendars and all others de Graaff stated. "All commis- aspects of the discipline. sions prepared the 2016 sea- Martin de Graaff gave the insons, concerning rules and formation and direction about calendars. Safety matters, li- the working group "age limit" cences and insurance were also and the process from now on important items". until the next general assembly.

Motocross In the Motocross Commission, the representative of You-

The Motocross Sporting Commission, chaired by Mr Eddie Herd

New is also the European Women's Cup, which will be organised in Cieszyn, Poland, on

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The Trial Sporting Commission, chaired by Mr Anders Minken

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The Enduro Sporting Commission, chaired by Mr Marco Bolzonello

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The Supermoto Sporting Commission, chaired by Mr Ivo Tsvetanov

21st-22nd of May and will be combined with a round of EMX 65-85cc North-East Europe Zone event. If successful, it is hoped that this will be developed to a full European championship with three or four rounds in the future. The age limit will be between 15-50 on MX2 specifications motorcycles. There will be three races at the event of 15 minutes plus 3 laps, one on Saturday afternoon and two on Sunday, with normal practice and time practice.

The Hillclimb motocross will be continued and the Commission will try to find one or two more organisers for the next year.

The sport will continue to develop and expand with the cooperation with promoter Youthstream.

The "pyramid" linking the Eu18

ropean championships and World championships for motocross and the development of young talented riders is now firmly established and proven results can be seen by all.

Supermoto

The day before there was a meeting with the Supermoto European and World Championship Promoter, BPROM, represented by Mr Danilo Boccadolce, Mr Martin de Graaff, Mr Alessandro Sambuco and Ivo Tsvetanov, to discuss the contract for the promotion of the European Supermoto and the calendar for the coming season. Today the Commission proposed a new "Open" class that will run together with the Supermoto Junior and S3 class events, some specific aspects at the events in 2015 and possible proposals for changes for 2016 season that

will be decided with BPROM. The new season 2016 will give the opportunity to the European riders to benefit from their participation in the S2 class and offer better chances for winning the Continental title.

Trial

During the Trial Commission only minor changes to the European rules will be proposed and also the technical rules as for the weight of the bikes will be maintained for 2016. The future of the discipline was mainly discussed. The statistics of the development of the European championship are very promising - the average participation grew of 86% during the latest five years.

2016 calendar is made to make the travel patterns for the riders as cheap as possible.

Enduro - Producing the Enduro

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The Drag Racing Sporting Commission, chaired by Mr Palle Lind

calendar for 2016 was not so easy because of the late appearance of the FIM calendar.

The future of Bajas was discussed for the new season: the participation of UTVs will be the same as in 2015. In order to promote the Super Enduro Cup, the riders are allowed to take part with national licences and starting permissions of the Federations. The calendar of the Enduro Extreme Cup was done without problems and rules also will not have big changes for the next season.

Drag Racing

After the meeting in Copenhagen with Nordic Federations and Organisers, the Commission discussed the possibilities for better European Drag Race Championship. It is important to create a calendar with more than three events in the future for the Championship FIM Europe Mag 6/2015

and the Cup. In 2016 there are three applications for the Championship and four for the Cup, which the Commission proposed. The deadline for the calendar is extended up to the 1st of December 2015. The plans for the Junior Cup are extended for the season 2017.

In all Commissions Mr Oriol Puig Bulto stressed out the change of technical rules for next year, which also affect European Championships. Few items about safety are about the use of the helmet cameras, which is forbidden in all disciplines except motocross, where the use of helmet cameras is strictly controlled.

Body and back protection for the different disciplines and their respective homologations were also discussed. Mr Bulto listened to the experiences of trial riders for other solutions

for body protection in trial, which requires particular agility. Last but not least, new rules for all off-road disciplines were discussed as for the throttle, which cannot be rideby-wire any more, but only mechanical.

Conclusion

"The importance of meetings like this, with all sporting commissions together, is very serious to create a very good calendar for the next season", Mr de Graaff stated. "And this also a good way to grant the harmonization of rules thanks to the presence of the respective FIM representatives. It is always a pleasure to see how seriously the commissions are working for the future of the sport. All calendars and proposals will be discussed in the Management Council next December for approval".

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The Road Racing Sporting Commission, chaired by Eigjl Solkaer

The FIM Europe Commission Meetings continued today with the second session of Sporting Commissions, which followed the first session of Sporting Commissions in October and which will be followed by the Non-Sporting Commissions next January.

The meeting was held, as in the past, in Tiber Hotel in Fiumicino, near Rome (Italy). In this second session, the meeting of Road Racing, Track Racing, Motoball and Vintage were held, with the participation of the FIM Europe Pre-

sident Dr Wolfgang Srb, of Sporting Council Chairman Martin de Graaff and of FIM Europe Secretary General Alessandro Sambuco. Joining the meeting, also Oriol Puig Bulto, Director of International Technical Commission of FIM, Armando Castagna, Director of Track Racing Commission of FIM, and Arjan Van Eekelen, member of FIM CCR Commission.

Road Racing

The main proposals were about Mini Road Racing and Stock 250

The Vintage Sporting Commission, chaired by José Campos Costa

class. As for Mini Road Racing, the Commission wants to work on one event next year, perhaps in combination with a big motorcycling event, in order to have more attention and more spectators.

The Commission also proposes to the Management Council to modify the Stock 250 Championship, and organise it as a Cup together with a new standard Honda NSF 250R Cup. It could be organised in the context of the Alpe Adria competition. These classes have to be as close as possible to stan-

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The Track Racing Sporting Commission, chaired by Piotr Szymanski

dard motorcycles and FIM Europe will work with the promoter/organiser to develop the sporting and technical regulations.

Track Racing

The Commission was discussing the increase the number of qualification rounds for the Speedway European Championship (SEC), due to many applications from riders and organizers.

The proposal for the next year will be four qualification rounds, one challenge and of course four

SEC finals. The Commission continues to work closely with the FIM Track Racing Commission about various topics like harmonization of rules, safety standards, etc.

Vintage

The Vintage was in general satisfied with the results of the various disciplines in 2015, like Road Racing, Endurance, Regularity, Trial and especially of the first International 3 Days Enduro in Isola d'Elba (Italy). This could

The Motoball Sporting Commission, chaired by Karl Voegele

be the beginning of an Enduro Cup in the future.

Preparations for 2016 are already on the way and there are efforts to start Vintage Motocross and Vintage Hillclimb.

Concern has been raised about the cost of licences and starting permissions, which are different from Country to Country.

Motoball

Good development in Motoball is the introduction of young pla-

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yers: in several Countries the clubs are obliged to set up a team for young players, if they want to play for the National Championship. Next year, in Budel (the Netherlands), two young teams will take part as an extra event in the European Championship in July. Previous to this event, seminars for all parti-

cipating Countries will be held.

An important development in France is the use of e-bikes in Motoball. The French Federation has bought 16 e-bikes and as from 2020 they will use in France only e-bikes for Motoball.

In 2017 the European Motoball Championship will be held in the

South of France, in Valreas and Carpentras.

The Motoball Commission is looking for new members out of the Countries which organise Motoball competitions.

"All Commissions used the time for in depth discussions about the future of the respective di-

sciplines", Martin de Graaff stated. "Our calendars and proposals will be decided by the Management Council in December. FIM Europe thanks Dorna for the good cooperation in the World SBK Classes and in the European Championships of Moto2 and Superbike. The changed program of

Dorna for the 600 class will be published at a later stage with the calendar of the SBK".

"I am very happy with the results of the various meetings", stated Dr Wolfgang Srb. "The participation of FIM Commission Directors adds additional value and is a strong signal for the close coope-

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ration between FIM and FIM Europe. This is the right way to go for the future".

The participants of the Second Session of the Sporting Commissions in Fiumicino, near Rome (Italy)

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FIM Europe Management Council in Fiumicino The meeting of the FIM Europe Management Council was held in Fiumicino, near Rome (Italy).

Among the topics that have been discussed were the Report of the President, the Report of the Secretary General Alessandro Sambuco, Sporting 24

as well as Non-Sporting questions (Martin de Graaff and Silvio Manicardi) and the Report of the Treasurer Michal Sikora.

“Today’s meeting was one of the most important of the whole year, as the Sporting season 2015 was analysed as

well as changes to the Sporting rules and the 2016 calendars were decided”, FIM Europe President Dr Wolfgang Srb stated. “On the Non-Sporting side I want to highlight the cooperation between FIM Europe and FEMA on public affairs.

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A moment of the FIM Europe Management Council in the Tiber Hotel, in Fiumicino, near Rome (Italy)

“FIM Europe is dealing with all aspects of Sport, NonSport, training and education.

The development of the sport, especially at grassroots level at affordable costs is very high on the agenda. I’m very happy with the work that has been carried out by the European FIM Europe Mag 6/2015

Federations, despite it is still difficult economical situation in Europe.

“Thanks to the passion, the strong commitment of thousands of volunteers and a harder work than ever the European Federations could achieve, in general, their ob-

jectives”, Dr Wolfgang Srb added.

“The administration in Rome has carried out a great job and is well-respected service center for all our Federations”, FIM Europe President concluded.

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From the left Michal Sikora, Nina Birjukova, Rodolfo Romeo, Jean-Marc Desnues, Juhani Halme and Martin de Graaff. On the opposite page, from the left, Dr Wolfgang Srb, Michel Turk, Paola Bianchetti, Silvio Manicardi, Silvia Monatti and Alessandro Sambuco. Below, from the left Silvia Monatti, Andrea Diamantini, Jean-Marc Desnues, Juhani Halme, Michel Turk, Martin de Graaff, Paola Bianchetti, Silvio Manicardi, Dr Wolfgang Srb, Nina Birjukova, Michal Sikora, Alessandro Sambuco and Rodolfo Romeo.

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Speedway European Championship FIM Europe renews the contract with One Sport

On the occasion of the first round of the Individual Speedway European Championship (SEC) in Torun (Poland), the marketing contract between FIM Europe and One Sport has been signed and extended for a period of ten more years.

«I am very happy that we continue the partnership with One Sport», stated Dr Wolfgang Srb, FIM Europe President. «They have done an excellent job so far and I trust that they will work very

From the left: Karol Lejman and Jan Konikiewicz from One Sport, Dr Wolfgang Srb, FIM Europe President, Armando Castagna, FIM CCP Director, and Piotr Szymański, FIM Europe Track Racing Commission Chairman

hard to promote Speedway in the years to come. I also like to point out the presence of Armando Castagna, showing the new way of close cooperation of FIM Europe

with FIM. FIM will work with One Sport on the promotion of the young riders (Individual Speedway U21 finals and Individual Speedway 250cc FIM World Cup)».

Motocross returns to Switzerland in 2016

LOMMEL (Belgium) – Following the press conference at the MXGP of Belgium, Youthstream President Mr. Giuseppe Luongo, FIM Europe President Dr. Wolfgang Srb, FIM/CMS Director Mr. Tony Skillington and Mr. Willy Läderach and Mrs Andrea Läderach put pen to paper for MXGP’s return to Switzerland which is scheduled to take place on the weekend of August 7th in Frauenfeld/Gahnang.

“I am happy to announce there will be an MXGP in Switzerland, it has been a very long time since we have been there”, Mr. Giuseppe Luongo said, “the Swiss Federation are very professional and they have been able to put together a package which is fantastic to host the MXGP of Switzerland. It is good to show our

sport is growing, new venues are showing interest and old ones are coming back”.

Mr. Willy Läderach followed on, “we are excited to sign the contract here in Lommel for the MXGP of Switzerland. We have found a lot of good partners and sponsors to help organize a very good motocross grand prix. We hope that all of you see next year how good our GP will be”.

"In times where major Motorsport series have an increasing number of of fly-away

Photo courtesy of Youthstream

races outside of Europe I am very happy about the return of Switzerland to the calendar”, stated Dr. Wolfgang Srb. “There will be a combination of MXGP and MX2 as well as races for the European Motocross Championship and I am convinced that the Swiss organizer will do its utmost for a great weekend of Motocross".

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FIM Europe and Università di Roma Foro Italico for a Master in Motorcycling Management

From the left, Alessandro Sambuco, FIM Europe Secretary General, Dr Wolfgang Srb, FIM Europe President, and Prof Fabio Pigozzi, Rector of the Università degli Studi di Roma ‘Foro Italico’

A meeting between the FIM Europe and the Università degli Studi di Roma “Foro Italico” was held in Rome.

Topic of the meeting, which was attended by the FIM Europe President Dr Wolfgang Srb, the Rector of the University Prof Fabio Pigozzi and the FIM Europe Secretary General Alessandro Sambuco, was the presentation by the FIM Europe of a first draft for the organization of a Master in Motorcycling Management to be held in collaboration with the Fondazione Universitaria Foro Italico.

There was a shared vision of the needs to which the Master will be addressed and of the content to offer, and which is proceeding with the definition of the organizational details.

The recruitment, selection and development of sporting talents in motorcycling is one of the main goals of the European Motorcycling National Federations.

The main actors in this process of creation of the next Champions are surely the Federations themFIM Europe Mag 6/2015

selves but, considering the recent economical crisis, which has affected and it is still affecting our Continent, it is necessary to search for synergies.

The aforesaid synergies will have to allow, without further costs for the Federations, to increase this activity both in quantity and quality, in terms of capillarity on the territory and of professionalism of the interventions.

The Master has the aim to train young Managers of Motorcycling who, creating and managing new Teams, will take care directly of the research, selection and development of young talented riders, even if in cooperation with the Sporting Departments of the respective Federations, for the right application of the scientific training programmes.

The Master is addressed to young graduated passionate of Motorcycling, but also operators of the sector or Team Managers already in activity will be allowed to participate, if wishing to deepen and to complete their managerial and organizational knowledge.

The first edition of the Master will be carried out in Italy, as “Pilot Project”, with the intention to extend the initiative to all Countries of the 47 Federations affiliated to FIM Europe. Each National edition of the Master in Motorcycling Management will foresee a direct involvement of the respective National Motorcycling Federation.

The Master is expected to be held in the months of March, April and May 2016 with about 150 hours of lessons spread in 12 weeks of attendance on Fridays and Saturdays. A stage and Final Project Work will be held.

Once defined the programme in detail, a timely notice of the contents and the organization of the Master will be given.

“I am very happy about the cooperation with the University and the project ‘Master’. Education is nowadays more important than ever and the Università degli Studi di Roma ‘Foro Italico’, under the leadership of Prof Fabio Pigozzi, is the perfect venue”, stated FIM Europe President, Dr Wolfgang Srb. 29

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From the left: Mr Jan Stovicek (ACCR and FIM Europe Vice President), Mr Tapio Nevala (SML President), Mr Harri Syväsalmi (Director Ministry of Education and Culture, Sports Division), FIM Europe President Dr. Wolfgang Srb, Mr Juhani Pakari (President Finnish Car Sport Federation), President of the South Moravian Region Mr Michal Hasek, Mr Anssi Rauramo (Sport Director Helsinki City), Mr Kari O. Solberg (former President of Finnish Car Sport Federation), Mr Timo Pohjola (Project Manager KymiRing).

FIM FIM Europe Europe at at the the MotoGP MotoGP in in Brno Brno On the occasion of the MotoGP in Brno the President of the South Moravian Region, Mr Michal Hasek, has invited FIM Europe President Dr. Wolfgang Srb, ACCR and FIM Europe Vice President Mr Jan Stovicek as well as a delegation from Finland, including SML President Mr Tapio Navala to an official visit.

The “FIM Road Racing Grand Prix of the Czech Republic” has 30

a long tradition and has always attracted a huge number of spectators and is of paramount importance. President Hasek informed about the activities for the future of the GP.

Finland is working on a project to organize a MotoGP in the very near future on “KymiRing”, near the town of Kausala, 110 km North-East of the capital Helsinki. The Finnish delegation presented the pro-

ject and was looking forward to an exchange of information with President Hasek.

“I am very happy about all these activites; GPs in different parts of Europe are important, as there is also a chance on these circuits for National and European Championships, thus paving the way for young riders to world level”, stated FIM Europe President Dr. Wolfgang Srb. FIM Europe Mag 6/2015

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MX Academy First certificates to riders in Assen In Assen, the Netherlands, after the qualifying races of the World MXGP and MX2, an important event of MX Academy was held: the young riders who attended the Academy received their first certificates.

The event was accompanied by a press conference, to which took part Dr Wolfgang Srb, FIM Europe President, Martin de Graaff, FIM Europe 1st Deputy President, Giuseppe Luongo, President of Youthstream, Martin van Gendere, MX Academy Coordinator and trainer, and John van den Berk, MX Academy trainer.

They welcome everybody and then said how glad they were to be there giving the certificates

to kids for the first time.

“We are very happy about what this fantastic team does”, said Dr Wolfgang Srb. “I recommend the guys to keep this fantastic sport clean and don’t use doping. I want to thank the riders but especially the parents to be here”. Then he addressed directly to the young riders: “Don’t forget school, motocross is nice but school is very important”, added Dr Srb. “Our goal is to make the motocross grow and it’s important that children start riding at young age and follow the steps of the pyramid in order to end up racing in MXGP”, said Mr Giuseppe Luongo, President of Youthstream. “Besides, I wish to thank people f r o m MXGP A c a -

demy as they are working very professionally. Thanks also to the families as they gave to children the opportunity to ride motocross. We are sure we’ll see some of these riders competing at the GPs”.

“Today we give the first certificate and I hope you’ll go for the next ones”, said Martin Van Genderen. And then John van den Berk gave the certificates to riders in front of the media.

“I am proud and satisfied about the results of the Academy trainers”, said Martin de Graaff, FIM Europe 1st Deputy President and also MX Academy Project leader. “Riders and parents have seen this year the importance of the professional approach, how to train and guide young athletes in motorsport.

FIM Europe will continue this program in close cooperation with Youthstream”.

From the left, John van den Berk, MX Academy trainer, Martin van Genderen, MX Academy Coordinator and trainer, Giuseppe Luongo, president of Youthstream, Dr Wolfgang Srb, FIM Europe President, and Martin de Graaff, FIM Europe 1st Deputy President and MX Academy Project leader - Photo © Youthstream.

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FIM Europe at International Six Days of Enduro in Kosice

In the photo aside, from the left, Vito Ippolito, FIM President, Richard Raši, Major of Kosice and Dr Wolfgang Srb, FIM Europe President

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The 90th edition of the International Six Days of Enduro 2015 (ISDE) has been opened officially with a presentation of the teams in the center of Kosice (eastern Slovakia). From 7th to 12th of September close to 500 riders from 32 Federations will compete in the longest standing and most traditional team event of Enduro.

Earlier in the afternoon the representatives from the teams, as well as FIM President Vito Ippolito, FIM Europe President Dr. Wolfgang Srb and SMF President Peter Smižik were invited by the mayor of Kosice Richard Raši to the

townhall for an official reception.

“Team events are the most special competitions.

The best riders of a Country race together, once a year, with pride for their national colors.The ISDE is the toughest competition one can imagine, and after six days every finisher is a hero" stated Dr. Wolfgang Srb. "The event will take place for the fifth time in Slovakia and I like to thank the Slovak Motorcycling Federation, the organizer, the town of Kosice as well as the Federations that take part in this unique event and make it so special".

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FIM FIM and and FIM FIM Europe Europe for for Motorcycling: Motorcycling: working working on on the the pyramid pyramid model model

Maintain and facilitate the flow of activities according to the pyramid model in our Unternational Sports Organization: this is definitely one of the main goals that the Administrations of FIM and FIM Europe have set in their executive activities.

And exactly with this aim in Mies was held one of the meetings, scheduled on a regular basis between the FIM CEO Ignacio Verneda and FIM Europe Secretary General Alessandro Sambuco.

The tools to facilitate the aforementioned flow are several: • institutional 34

• sports-organizational • economic-financial • regulatory.

In particular, in today's meeting important themes were treated on which FIM and FIM Europe are particularly busy in these days: • international licenses • insurance

• education and training

think we are on the right way," said Ignacio Verneda after the meeting.

"I would like to stress once again as the perfect synergy and convergence of views between our two administrations not only makes the work easier but amplifies N times the achieved results”, Alessandro Sambuco commented. “We shall continue firmly on this way”.

• services to Federations

"I am really pleased with the good willingness to work together in favour of our Federations and of Motorcycling , I

In the photo, Alessandro Sambuco and Ignacio Verneda in front of the new FIM building in Mies.

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FIM FIM Europe Europe Executive Executive Board Board Meeting Meeting in in Ernée Ernée

Working in the world of sports is a privilege for those who work there, but is also an advantage for the sport itself.

In fact, do the work being immersed in passion, in our case, breathing, listening and vibrating in the world of Motorcycling, involves and satisfies those who work but also makes the job more productive.

Based on these considerations it was decided to hold the FIM Europe Executive Board on Saturday, 26th September in Ernée (FRA) on the occasion of the Motocross of Nations.

A fantastic atmosphere, which saw 30.000 people crowding, even if on Saturday, the circuit of Pays de la Loire, surrounded FIM Europe Mag 6/2015

the meeting which was attended by the FIM Europe President Dr Wolfgang Srb, the 1st Deputy President Martin de Graaff, the 2nd Deputy President Silvio Manicardi, the Treasurer Michal Sikora and the Secretary General Alessandro Sambuco.

The meeting was mainly devoted to the preparation of the relevant meetings of the Sports Commissions to be held in Fiumicino (ITA) the next 24th October and 7th November, as well as some important urgent decisions to be taken before the next meeting of the Management Council to be held the next 12th December.

Among the important issues discussed there was also the updating on the Public Affairs and

the recent meeting held in Brussels.

“I like to stage meetings like that on the occasion of outstanding events”, stated Dr Wolfgang Srb. “The FIM Motocross of Nations is without any doubt the best and most important Motocross event of the year, and it was a perfect venue for us to hold the meeting of the Executive Board in Ernée. I am happy with the results and the cooperation”.

From the left, the 2nd Deputy President Silvio Manicardi, the 1st Deputy President Martin de Graaff, the Treasurer Michal Sikora, the FIM Europe President Dr Wolfgang Srb and the Secretary General Alessandro Sambuco.

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Meeting of the Nordic Motorsport Counc in Copenhagen

The traditional meeting of NMC (Nordic Motorsport Council, one of the six Regional Associations of FIM Europe) took place from 1011 October in the Scandic Hotel Sydhavnen in Copenhagen. The venue of the meeting changes on a yearly basis; in 2015 the "Denmarks Motor Union - DMU" was the host, while next years meeting will take place in Finland.

DMU President Jorgen Bitsch welcomed some 80 participants from the five member Federations 36

Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden and - as a guest - the representative from Estonia.

Meetings were held in the following disciplines, discussing the 2015 season as well as the activities in the Nordic Championships in 2016: Classic Road Racing, Drag Racing, Enduro, Motocross, Snowcross, Road Racing/Minimoto, Track Racing/Speedway, Trial and Supermoto.

Meetings of the Presidents and Secretary Generals completed the agenda.

In the framework of the weekend an important meeting on the subject "Road Safety for Motorcyclists" took place, with participants from Nordic Road Federations, all of them being members of "Federation of European Motorcyclists FEMA". Some of them have contracts with FIM Federations, like SMC with SVEMO in Sweden and DMC with DMU in Denmark.

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cil

Shakehands with Jesper Christensen. Below, the participants of the meeting

"I visited all the meetings of the various disciplines and was very impressed with the high level of the Nordic Championships as well as the professional attitude of all the officials", commented FIM Europe President Dr. Wolfgang Srb. "The events are organized on a high level and fit perfectly in the pyramid "National Championship - European Championship World Championship". I am also happy about the progress and the high quality of the cooperation with FEMA, as Road Safety is of utmost importance for all motorcyclists."

On Friday before the meeting of the Nordic countries the Dragrace organisers of Gardemoen (N), Tierp (S) and Alastaro (F) were invited by the Dragrace commission chairman Palle Lind and FIM-Europe 1st Deputy president Martin de Graaff. The secretaries General from Norway Roy Wetterstad,

form Sweden Per Westling, commission members Jari Halonen and Kenneth Trondsen also attended the meeting.

On behalf of Promoter Trakbak Racing Geoff Myers was present.The Scandinavian federations have many good riders and tracks, important for the FIM-Europe Dragrace competition. The goal of this meeting was to discuss problems of the last seasons and to investigate the possibilities for the near future in order to be on the EC-calendar with one or more Dragrace events and the increase of Scandinavian riders in this championship.

In a very open discussion and a good atmosphere all parties, representatives of the Organisers, Trakbak and FIM-Europe tried to find solutions to create the best possibilities for riders and organisers.

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Cooperation Cooperation with with FIM FIM Africa Africa will will be be intensified intensified FIM Europe President Dr Wolfgang Srb has attended the General Assembly of FIM Africa in the Emperors Convention Centre in Johannesburg, held on 23/24 October, representing the FIM. Federations from Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Madagascar were present and discussed general African issues as well as relevant topics related to their regions. The second day saw the meetings of the various Commissions, i.e. Sporting Commission (Enduro/Cross Country Working Group, Motocross Working Group), Women in Motorcycling, Environment & Medical Panel and Leisure, Touring &

Road Safety Commission.

“It was most interesting to take part in the FIM Africa General Assembly”, stated Dr Srb. “The issues are almost the same as in Europe and other parts of the world; quality and number of events, sporting and technical rules, medical and environmental standards, licenses and insurance, participation of Women in the sport, trainers and seminars. I have informed about the way sport as well as non-sport activities are carried out on the level of FIM as well as FIM Europe and have underlined the importance of harmonization of rules”, added Dr Wolfgang Srb.

“I am happy about the cooperation with new FIM Africa President Mr Ray Wilson (Zambia), who plays also an important role in the FIM Board Committee of the Presidents of the six Continental Unions. African riders would be welcome in the various European events, as European riders should get the opportunity to race or train in Africa during the winter season”, concluded Dr Wolfgang Srb. FIM Europe President Dr Wolfgang Srb and FIM Africa President Mr Ray Wilson - Below, the participants of the FIM Africa General Assembly - Photo @Bob Dewar

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Women’s Women’s MX MX European European Cup Cup created created FIM Europe, FIM Women in Motorcycling commission and Motocross promoter Youthstream have created Motocross European Cup for women.

The first FIM-Europe Women's MX Cup will be held at Cieszyn in Poland on 21-22 May 2016 in conjunction with a round of the EMX65/85 North East Europe zone. The event is open to women of a minimum age of 15 years old riding MX2 specification motorcycles (250cc 4-strokes or 125cc 2-strokes).

The top four women in the FIM World Championship for 2015 and 2014 are excluded from entering but the event is open to any rider from any Continental Union, not just Europe.

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The main idea behind creation of the new cup is to ensure that the success of the Women´s Motocross World Championship will continue into the future and that the number and level of the riders will stay at high level when women are able to get international racing experience from the European Cup level not just from the World Championship level.

“The introduction of the FIMEurope Women's MX Cup is a great and important step in the fast and strong growing development of women´s motocross. It will provide riders a stepping-stone to the FIM Women´s Motocross World

Championship. At the FIM Women in Motorcycling Commission we are grateful for the support of our idea of this cup from FIM Europe and Youthstream and for them making this possible”, says FIM Women in Motorcycling Commission´s motocross representative Peter Isgren.

“It is the aim of FIM-Europe to increase the number of events to 3 or 4 and make this a full European Championship in 2017 thus building the base of the pyramid to the World Championship”, commented FIM-Europe Motocross Commission Chairman, Eddie Herd.

Photo @Youthstream

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FIM Europe President Dr Wolfgang Srb with the CEV Director Oscar

Gallardo. Below, the start of a European Moto2 Championship Race.

General Alessandro Sambuco attended the Final and this allowed to mark a balance of this first year planning the future seasons in a meeting with the CEV Director Oscar Gallardo.

Guest of the Final of the European Championship was also the President of the Norwegian Motorcycle Federation - NMF Mr. Roy Ă˜wre.

Final of CEV Repsol in Valencia The Final of the FIM CEV Repsol held on 14 and 15 November in the Circuit de la Comunitat Valenciana in Valencia (SPA) signed the first season of the new for-

mula of the European Championship for classes Moto2 and Superbike.

The FIM Europe President Dr. Wolfgang Srb and the Secretary

At the end of the awards for the individual races and for the Championships President Srb stated: "I am very pleased with the results of the European Championships in Moto2 and Superbike. The level is very high and the riders showed excellent sport. The overall organisation and promotion by Dorna is first class and I am looking forward to many more years of cooperation."

European Motocross in Krusevac In October a meeting was held in Wien at the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia about European Motocross Championships in the city of Krusevac as of 2016. Present: the Ambassador, Mr. Pero Jankovic, as well as high level diplomatic staff: Mr. Bojan Stojanovic and Mrs. Nada Knezevic.

Mayor of Krusevac: Mr. Dragi Nestorovic; President MSS: Mr. Bozidar Mihajlovic.

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FIM Europe meets KTM Bosses in Mattighofen Upon invitation from KTM, FIM Europe President Dr Wolfgang Srb met on Thursday with the KTM Bosses (CEO Stefan Pierer and Head of Motorsport Pit Beirer) at the headquarters in Mattighofen, Austria.

The 2015 season has been evaluated, as well as the plans for 2016 have been discussed. KTM is a major player in the off-road market and the riders have succeeded in many World and European Championships. There are also important activities in Road Racing in the Moto3 class. The MotoGP project will start as of 2017.

“The direct contact with the manufacturers is important, as they know best the situation in the markets. Bikes develop year by year and electronics play already a big role; however, we share the same vision that motorsport has FIM Europe Mag 6/2015

to be affordable, especially for young riders”, stated Dr. Srb after the meeting.

Later in the evening the FIM Europe President attended the award ceremony of the Austrian Federation in Vienna, where he congratulated the new FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Champion Matthias Walkner (KTM), who was awarded with the title of “Austrian Motors p o r t Personality of 2015”.

FIM Europe President, Dr Wolfgang Srb, with CEO Stefan Pierer and Head of Motorsport Pit Beirer.

Below, Dr Wolfgang Srb with the Austrian rider Matthias Walkner, Cross-Country Rallies World Champion and Sportsman of the year

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FIM Europe at FIM Gala in Jerez

The 2015 FIM Gala, held on 22nd November in Jerez de la Frontera (SPA) concluded the fourday meeting of the FIM who have seen the performance of the FIM Women + Sustainability Conference on 19th and 20th and the General Assembly on Saturday 21st.

Among the significant results for the FIM Europe we must note the election of the President of the FMB Mr Jos Driessen as FIM Board Member FMB (in the photo with the FIM Europe President Dr Wolfgang Srb) and the new affiliation to the FIM, and of consequence to the FIM Europe, of the Motorcycling Federation of Georgia - GNMF. The number of Members Federations of the FIM grows up to 113 and of those Members of the FIM Europe to 48.

The FIM Europe President Dr Wolfgang Srb stated: "All the 42

various meetings Board of Directors, Conference, General Assembly, Commission Directors and the Gala - were very well organized and the city of Jerez was a perfect host.

“FIM Europe can be satisfied with the reFIM Europe President Dr Wolfgang Srb with FMB sults, as FMB Presi- President Mr Jos Driessen, elected as FIM Board dent Jos Driessen was Member elected as Board Member and the Georgian Federation was unanimously acment of thousands of voluntecepted as a new member, both ers and a harder work than ever of FIM and FIM Europe. the European Federations could “2015 was a year of a lot of ac- achieve their objectives. tivities for FIM Europe; not only “We will continue to work in in the areas of sport and non- close cooperation with the sport, but also in the field of other Continental Unions as training and education. I am well as the administration at very happy that thanks to the the FIM headquarters in Mies”. passion, the strong commitFIM Europe Mag 62/2015

FIM FIM Europe Europe present present at at Balkan Balkan Motorcycle Motorcycle Union Union meetings meetings in in Sofia Sofia

The affiliated Federations of the Balkan Motorcycle Union (BMU) gathered for the traditional Annual Meeting, the Champions Gala as well as the prize giving of the European SuperMoto Champions SM Junior and S3 at the Park Hotel Moskva in Sofia, Bulgaria.

BMU President Bogdan Nikolov welcomed the Balkan Federations to the meeting, where important topics have been discussed: reports of the various Championships, approval of the results, of the 2016 Calendar as well as the regulations for Motocross, Road Racing, SuperMoto, Cross Country, Enduro and MotoClassic.

FIM Europe President Dr. Wolfgang Srb was also present and gave a general overview about the activities of FIM Europe: "The Balkan MoFIM Europe Mag 6/2015

torcycle Union is one of the six Regional Associations of FIM Europe and has been very active despite difficult economic conditions. Federations, officials, volunteers and clubs had to work even harder to achieve their goals. Their passion and commitment is still outstanding".

At the Championship Gala on Saturday evening the riders received their well deserved trophies.

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All the award winners of the 2015 Championships of the Balkan Motorcycle Union. First row, from left: Dr. Asen Markov, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, Rumen Petkov, Chairman of the Organizing Committee Grand Prix Bulgaria, Dr. Wolfgang Srb, FIM Europe President.

Below, participants of the BMU meeting in Sofia from Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Fyrom, Greece, Romania, Serbia and Turkey

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Alpe Alpe Adria Adria Meeting Meeting in in Wien Wien

In the photo, from the left: Akos Feher, General Manager of Slovakia Racing; Milos Balaz, Slovakia Racing; Marcela Sveidova, ACCR, Karel Naus, GS of ACCR, Igor Eskinja, Rijeka, Peter Balaz, Vice President AAMU, Peter Surina, President Slovakia Racing, Luigi Favarato, President AAMU, Dr Wolfgang Srb, FIM Europe President, Mag. Martin Suchy, Vice President AAMU, Janez Pintar, President AARRC, Martin Hejduk, OSK/OEAMTC, Jacek Molik, PZM, Andrea Zolyomi, GS of MAMS, Ladislav Snegon, SMF, GĂźnther Zaritsch, OSK/OEAMTC.

An extraordinary meeting of the Alpe Adria Motorcycle Union (AAMU) Management Board was held on Monday afternoon in the premises of OSK/OEAMTC in Vienna. AAMU is one of the six Regional Associations of FIM Europe and stages, beside other activities, a most important Road Racing series. AAMU President Luigi Favarato: "There was a need to call for this meeting after the end of the 2015 season in order to shape the future and to fine tune the contractual relation with our promotor "Slovakia Racing". We all want a solid basis for the years to come and offer our riders a great Road Racing Championship".

The members of the AAMU Road Racing Commission, including the President Janez Pintar from Slovenia, discus-

sed at length various topics like a professional Race Management system, the number of events, the 2016 calendar, the race schedule for the weekends as well as a number of practical issues. Each event will consist of six classes; at selected venues there will also be Vintage activities.

Favarato: "We have been working now since two years with "Slovakia Racing" and I am happy that we will continue.

The cooperation with Peter Surina, President of "Slovakia Racing" is very good and I am optimistic for the future. It was good to see that the participants of the meeting were satisfied with the results.

Just check our homepage http://www.alpeadriamotorcycleunion.com/ for more information".

FIM Europe President Dr Wolf -

gang Srb, who was invited to attend the meeting as a guest, stated: "The Regional Associations have an important task within FIM Europe.

AAMU is responsible for an excellent Road Racing series that enables riders to race at affordable costs at wellknown road racing circuits. A Championship with a promotion partner is most common nowadays; for me it is just important that the rights, duties and responsibilities between the National Federations and the promotor are clearly defined. In a nutshell: We, the Federations, are responsible for the sport and we appoint the officials, while the promotor is responsible for the calendar and the promotion. A strong basis of mutual trust and respect is essential and the key for the success�.

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