FIM History - Flash Back 2006-2014

2006: Change of President

* The first 2006 Management Council meeting was held on 17 February. Former Sporting Director of the RFME and FIM CTR President, Mr Ignacio Verneda was hired as FIM Sporting Director, to supervise all the FIM sporting areas and coordinators, and everything linked with the various actors of our sport (Sporting Commissions, FMNs, riders, teams, promoters, industry and press).
* A meeting was held early February at the FIM headquarters between the FIM; MSMA and FGSports in order to discuss the future of the FIM Superbike Regulations and the harmonisation of the National and International rules.
* The acquisition of the piece of land adjacent to the FIM was authorised by the Swiss authorities; the documents were signed just before Christmas 2005. An architecture competition would be organised.
* The company CVC; owner of 75% of the Dorna shares, acquired the rights for F-1. The Brussels Commission ruled that CVC had to re-sell the Dorna Shares.
* An agreement between the FIM and UNEP was in discussion in view of a collaboration between the two entities. This agreement represented the work of the Environment Commission since its creation, and that the FIM had been congratulated by UNEP for its activity and its commitment in matters of environment.
* The Management Council signed the Brighton Declaration, which advocates the promotion of women in sport. The recent creation of the FIM Commission for Women in Motorcycling is important to show the awareness and of its role and the importance of women in the world of sport.
* One of the longest serving members of the FIM retired from his function: Mr Renzo Giannini, CCP President, was warmly thanked by the Management Council: he had entered the FIM in 1973, and was CCP Vice-President from 1984 to 1998, and then President as from 1998.
* At the 2006 Congress in Salvador de Bahia from 15 to 21 October, the Endurance World Championship had no promoter any longer as the contract was not renewed. Finally, the Executive Board decided that it would be organised without a promoter. The task would be entrusted to the FMNRs and organisers, with considerable help from the FIM staff. For Enduro, an agreement was concluded to renew the contract with ABC Communications until 2009.
* Three new Federations were affiliated to the FIM: Saudi Arabia, Montenegro and Egypt. Iceland was still waiting for its status of independent Federation from its National Olympic Committee. In Serbia, there were currently two federations, and the situation should be discussed further.
* Following the retirement of President Francesco Zerbi, a vote for a new President was carried out. There were four candidates: Messrs. Vito Ippolito (Venezuela), Hans-Robert Kreutz (Germany), Jean-Pierre Mougin (France) and Jos Vaessen (Netherlands). Mr Vito Ippolito was elected FIM President in a second ballot with 75 votes – against 70 for former President Jos Vaessen. For the Vice-Presidents, for three vacant posts only Mr Jorge Viegas was elected; the other candidates did not match the requested minimum of 50% of the valid votes plus one. This point of the Statutes needed to be amended as soon as possible. Mr Stig Klemetz (Sweden) was elected as Internal Auditor.
* The creation of an “International Rallies Championship” was accepted by the General Assembly; it would be run in 2007, with three events in Belgium, France and Italy.
* The General Assembly approved the signature by the FIM of the “Panathlon Declaration on Ethics in Youth Sport”. It also gave mandate to the Management Council to adopt a modernized FIM logo, to be presented at the 2007 Conference meetings in Geneva.

2007: Strategic Plan

* On 15 February in Geneva, FIM President Vito Ippolito addressed the Management Council regarding the establishment of a strategic plan, to set up goals the FIM had to reach in the future, and provide a managing tool for the short, medium and long terms to help the FIM to achieve these goals. The Management Council approved the proposal, and a first working meeting was set for following October after the Biennial Session. The steering committee was composed of the President, the CEO and two Vice-Presidents.
* The plan to extend the FIM headquarters, presented at the previous FIM Congress, had to have its costs reduced. These plans, in the opinion of Mr Ippolito, had to take into consideration the objectives that would be determined by the strategic plan.
* The Endurance World Championship would be promoted by the FIM itself as from 2007, as the previous promoting contract expired at the end of 2006. The Management Council had not agreed to renew it. A joint effort between the FMNR, the organisers and the CCR/FIM Administration would be required to run the championship (and this is still the case in 2014).
* Considering the current environmental circumstances, the President wished to set up a working group in order to study the use of alternative energies to fossil fuels for motorcycle sport. Chaired by Vice-President Robert Rasor from USA, the group held its first meeting at the FIM headquarters in April and established a series of target subjects to be analysed such a progressive replacement of fossil fuels by different sources of renewable energy sources, in accordance with the industry and the riding community, with whom the FIM had to strengthen its relationships. A program up to 2010 was established.
* A memorandum of cooperation between the FIM and the UNEP was signed on 1 December 2006 in the auditorium of the Olympic Museum in Lausanne.
* The President wished to create a FIM Ethical Code that would comprise all the principles and values to which the FIM attached importance and that it wished to see defended.
* The Federation of Iceland was officially affiliated on 1st January 2007.
* The President announced that he wished to proceed with a modification of the FIM Statutes. The fact that, at the 2006 Congress, only one Vice-President had been elected while three posts were vacant was very counter-productive. However, the current rule stated that to be elected a member had to receive at least 50% of the votes +1. This was to be sure that all Vice-Presidents would be elected by a larger number of voting FMN to ensure their credibility. But this rule had shown that it did not work, giving rise to a worse situation.
* FIM Speedway promoter Benfield Sports was acquired by giant sporting promotion company IMG, a move agreed to by the FIM. The promotion rights for the FIM Individual Speedway World Championship and the FIM Speedway World Cup were transferred to IMG.
* FGSport, promoter of the Superbike World Championship, was also acquired by another giant of sport marketing area, Infront Sports & Media AG.
* A meeting with representatives of the Japanese manufacturers would take place in July on the occasion of the Suzuka 8 Hours. There were a number of subjects to be discussed: renewable energies, lowering of the sound level, change of engine size and strength of the machines, development of machines for Speedway, FIM strategic plan. Concerning public affairs, two points were added: antilock brake system (ABS) for all motorcycles, reduction of emissions from motorcycles.
* A study on the situation of Vintage Motorcycling was carried out by FIM Vice-President Jorge Viegas. He stressed that the most activities in Vintage meetings were held in Europe, North America, Oceania and South Africa, sometimes with quite different requirements.
* Observers were not recognised in the FIM Statutes and would no longer be accepted as such in the Commissions. On the other hand, those commissions who think they really need non-members may call in experts – with prior consent of the Management Council.
* A three-year contract was signed with Italian company SPEA for the Trial World Championship (outdoor) as title sponsor.
* The fifth edition of the Experienced Rider Training Symposium, subsidized by the FIM; took place from 30 May to 1st June in Frankfurt, Germany, having 70 participants from 18 different countries.
* In the Grand Prix Series, Dorna announced it had signed an agreement to carry out a second Grand Prix in the USA, at the Indianapolis circuit, as from 2008.
* The FIM, the AMA and the promoter Live Nation reached an agreement just after the Biennial Session regarding the unified Supercross World and American Championship and new financial conditions.
* A plan called “Solidarity Funds” had been prepared for Enduro and Trial World Championship events that would be run overseas, so that European riders could afford a travel to other continents, but also riders from other continents to be able to come to race in Europe.
* A new FIM logo would be launched on January 1, 2008. More modern, it would replace the classic – and somehow quite old-fashioned – logo which dated from 1949.

2008: Single tyre supplier in MotoGP

* Sound level has become one of the key features for the FIM, the circuits and the industry. A meeting had been held in Suzuka on July 2007, and many others would follow. The target was to progressively reduce the sound level. New rules should be enforced within one or two years. Technical Commission Director Oriol Puig Bulto stated that dynamic sound testing had started to be used alongside the usual static sound test. More precise and more efficient, passing-by testing allows measurement of the real noise made by machines during competitions. In 2009 a new rule would be introduced stating that sound testing should be conducted through passing-by tests. A meeting between the FIM and MSMA was held in February; MSMA representatives acknowledged the negative impact of noise on the development of sporting and non-sporting activities. It was decided to create a Steering Committee composed of FIM, MSMA and Youthstream representatives and propose as soon as possible sound limits for Motocross and Enduro in the medium and long term. After a meeting held in Paris in September, everybody agreed to change the sound level measurement method, adopting the 2mMax. 2009 would be a period of trial, while 2010 would be the enforcement year. The static method would, however, be kept as the reference method.
* Meanwhile, at the Management Council meeting of the Conference Meetings on February 22-24, President Ippolito proposed to nominate Messrs Jorge Cabezas San Simon as Deputy President, Jorge Viegas as Vice-President in charge of Finances, Robert Rasor as President of the Alternative Energies Working Group and Jean-Pierre Mougin as President of the Sound level Working Group.
* The next Management Council meeting would be held next September (instead of June) because of the development of the Strategic Plan.
* The 2008 Qatar Grand Prix was held at night for the first time. It was considered highly successful for the public, and was well received by the teams, the riders and the media.
* The Congress was held in Durban, South Africa, from 15 to 21 October 2008.
* Discussions had started about the future of the 250cc class. The opinions of all stakeholders would be taken into consideration. Traction control would also be discussed in competition. The possibility to contract a single tyre supplier was discussed at length and the decision was taken to appoint Bridgestone as the sole tyre supplier in the MotoGP class for the years 2009, 2010 and 2011.
* Following a call for tender organised by the FIM, the Spanish company RPM Racing had been chosen by the Executive Board as promoter of the FIM Indoor Enduro World Cup for the next season. Regarding the FIM Indoor Trial World Championship, the FIM itself would promote this Championship. A meeting was held with all the former organisers. Events lost under the former promoter’s management would again be included in the championship.
* Improvements were necessary in the area of marketing as it was a new area where no work had been done. New Marketing Director Olivier Godallier proposed a work plan to improve the visibility and image of the FIM, including branding – a specific feature of a product or company. Work would have to be carried out on the new website to make it more fan-oriented rather than an administrative tool. The FIM presence at sporting events should include advertising spaces. A new FIM Marketing programme would be launched in 2009 with official partners in different categories. The FIM would launch the “FIM Moto Show”, a 26 minute program produced 52 weeks in the year and circulated all over the world. A hospitality unit would be prepared in order to be present in the paddock during sporting events.  A homologation programme would be put in place, and the FIM would be present at two Motorcycle Shows during a year.
* As from 1.1.2009, all World Championships had to must have the letters FIM in front of the name of the Championship. The only exception was where the name or brand of an official title sponsor preceded the title “FIM World Championship or Prize Event”.
* The Indoor Trial des Nations and the Indoor Trial World Games were deleted from the Sporting Code, as neither represented any interest for the Organisers and spectators, and the latter no longer corresponded to the intentions of the FIM.

2009:

* Work on the Strategic Plan was broadening. The Steering Committee, renamed Implementation Committee, was composed of nine members from every continent. The establishment of an action plan or business plan was the next priority: it would include expected results, specific activities to achieve these results, timelines, budgets, return on investment and assigned responsibilities; the Implementation Committee would also monitor the implementation of the action plan, make adjustments if necessary and evaluate the results.
An update meeting had been held in December 2008, during which the Environmental Scan had been updated, the Priority results of the Action Plan approved and the document on the Roles of the FIM, the CONUs and the FMNs finalised. The Implementation Committee Terms of Reference and Operating Principles had also been drafted. Various CONUs had started work on their own Strategic Plans. The main objective of the Strategic Plan was a Vision for 2020 and values and areas of focus for the period 2009 to 2015. Each area of focus would be covered by a working group which would detail a plan of action to implement the priority results for their assigned area of focus. Eight working groups had been established to start the work progressively in 2009: Sport, Control of our Business, Creative Management, Influencing Public Policy, Marketing and Communications, Leisure, Expanding and Developing our Family, and Social Responsibility, until the Biennial Session. The action plans of each group would be submitted to the Implementation Committee, who would recommend these plans to the Management Council in June or October for approval.
The President explained to those present that the approval of the Governance Principles by the Assembly did not automatically imply a change of the FIM Statutes. Once the Principles were approved, new draft Statutes would be prepared and submitted for approval to the Management Council before being submitted to the General Assembly for ratification at the next Congress in Macau.
He indicated that the main change proposed was a separation between the political role of supervision that would be played by the elected executive body of the FIM and the operational and management function that would be carried out by the administration. Furthermore, it was expected that the management of the commercial interests of the FIM would be entrusted to an independent company controlled by the FIM. He added that a number of principles proposed in connection with the CONUs and the role and functioning of the Commissions and Panels had been designed to better meet the current needs of the FIM.
* The FIM Team Trophies were not in good shape, as they had been sent from one FMN to another each year, according to the classifications of each team trophy. The FIM Executive Secretariat considered it necessary to change the system, and the Executive Director of Sports proposed to create a museum for the Trophies at the FIM Secretariat and to give scaled-down copies to each FMN.
* A decrease in the number of licence holders was noted in Japan. On the other hand, the number of international licences had increased between 2004 and 2008. The Sports Director then proposed a project to restructure the licence system, establishing three types of licences: World Championships, FIM World Cups and Trophies, and International licences, after  discussing with the CONUs the way of reorganising the system. Also, the validity of a licence was currently of 3 years, but a proposal was made to reduce some of them (Race Director…) to one year only as rules changed constantly.
*The promotion of the brand “FIM” was developing at high speed. Promoters were using the new FIM logo and the different by-products. The communication campaign included the environment, and a new slogan “Ride with us!”. The FIM Moto Show was broadcast in a series of countries and channels; the industry wanted to be part of it, and started to send content to the Moto Show and for the web site.
* A project for a FIM homologation programme (products and trademarks), an FIM Awards Ceremony and an FIM Rider of the Year would be introduced very soon.
* The Working Group on Alternative Energies had three main objectives: to advise the FIM as an active and innovative organisation in the field of alternative energies, to prepare the FIM delegates to better understand their importance and to be able to use them in motorcycle sport, and to be ready to adopt the rapid technological changes that happen in this field. The FIM would support the first event organised by the company TTXGP on the Isle of Man on June 12, reserved for motorcycles with zero toxic emissions. This event was a great success, and the FIM then decided to introduce an FIM Series for Electric Motorcycles in 2010, to be managed by the Road Racing Commission
* The Noise level reduction Steering Committee announced that tests would be made during the 2009 season for the 2metreMax method – and it would be explained why the current method of measurement was not appropriate. It was proposed to implement the 2metreMax method in the Motocross World Championship from 2010 onwards.
* After extensive discussions, it was agreed to replace the 250cc Grand Prix motorcycles (twin cylinder 2-stroke) by machines equipped with an engine from a single supplier. Among various offers received, it had been decided that the supplier would be Honda, with the 4-cylinder, 4-stroke, 600cc engine, power-boosted up to 150 CV.  A prototype chassis would have to be used. This would happen for the 2010 season. The number of pre-entries was significantly larger than for the 250cc period – it was the end of 2-stroke engines, at least in Road Racing.
* The International Rallies Championship had developed further and there would be 4 events in 2009.
* A discussion arose about the “statement of fact,” an expression used in the Endurance World Championship rules, regarding the stop-and-go penalty and speeding in the pit-lane. It was considered that a finding of speeding in the pit-lane, for example, was not a statement of fact and thus should be subject to an appeal, as the rider could take issue with this type of sanction…
* The new Indoor Enduro World Cup, organised for the first time last December/January, had achieved great success, which was a very good sign for the future.
* Following the agreement signed in 2006 between the FIM and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the FIM had decided to celebrate World Environment Day, the official date of which was 5 June, at all FIM events taking place the weekend before this important date. That year’s FIM action included the signing by top riders of a FIM Environmental Charter at Road Racing, Motocross, SuperMoto, Trial and Speedway events. The eight points included in this charter covered most of the main environmental issues in motorcycle sport, from the protection of the ground to the management of waste material. By signing this charter, the riders showed their concern, participation and involvement regarding environmental issue in the motorcycling world.
* The economic and financial crisis in the world affected teams as resources from sponsors were lower than in previous years. In MotoGP drastic decisions were taken by Dorna and the FIM, such a practice restrictions, two GP practice sessions only, and as from August a restriction on the number of engines used. In Qatar, the MotoGP race was delayed until Monday evening due to heavy rain. In other championships there was also a decrease in the number of participants, particularly in Endurance. On the other hand off-road World Championships (Motocross, Trial, Enduro) went very well, but Cross-Country Rallies needed special attention. It was decided to create a Cross-Country Rallies Commission, which was approved by the Management Council and the General Assembly.
* In the area of Public Affairs, the FIA Foundation asked the UN to set up an action plan in favour of road safety: governments’ committed to a “Decade of Action for Road Safety 2010-2020” to try to lower  the number of road fatalities in 50% until 2020. The Charter “A decade for action” was signed by the FIM to integrate the FIM in the FIA’s actions.
* A CFM meeting was held in June 2009 between CFM members and Ms Frédérique Trouvé from FIA to finalise the project to establish a Commission for Women within the FIA; based on the FIM model. After the acceptance, an active collaboration between both Federations would be established.
* A project proposed by the FIM and supported by Youthstream was launched to bring together the best riders of the “AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship” and the FIM Motocross World Championship to take part in both championships by delaying the start of the Motocross World Championship until after the finish of the Supercross, around mid-May.
* The FIM had to enter a new stage in the fight against doping by introducing a registered testing pool of riders subject to controls. Riders would be tested in the disciplines of Road Racing, Motocross, Trial, Enduro and Track Racing, and would be chosen among the first ten of each World Championship.
* A new project for seminars, in order to improve their quality, was presented to the Management Council. There would be three types of licence:
•    the A licence, valid for two years, for Clerks of the Course of World Championships, the CCP Referees of World Championships and the Chief Medical Officers (CMO). The FIM would organise two seminars per year, one in English and one in French. The Race Directors for all disciplines would have to hold an A licence.
•    the B licence, valid for three years, for Sporting Stewards of World Championships and FIM Trophies, FIM Environmental Stewards, and Clerks of the Course and Sporting Stewards of Continental Championships.
•    the C licence, which would be considered as from 2012 or 2013 and would be valid for three years, for Clerks of the Course and Sporting Stewards of CONU international events.


2010: New Statutes according to the Strategic Plan

* The first 2010 meetings of the Management Council were held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, in Geneva, Switzerland, on 25 (closed meeting), 26 and 27 February. Chaired by President Ippolito.
* A new championship for electric motorcycles had been created in 2010 which would be run by the FIM. It would be named FIM e-power International Championship. The President informed the Management Council that negotiations had been initially held with TTXGP, the promoter of the event organised on the Isle of Man. However, as the FIM could not accept a request from this promoter for exclusivity, these negotiations had not come to a conclusion. Moreover, the President stated that this promoter had made false statements to the press, as the technical regulations had been drafted by the FIM.
* IMG/BSI, the promoter of the FIM Speedway World Championship Grand Prix, considered that the new regulations regarding sound level reduction would have a negative impact on its commercial business. According to them, the possibilities of promoting this championship had been reduced, as it was less attractive for the media and the public.
* The reinforcement of anti-doping controls in and out-of-competition would be effective that year. The 2010 FIM pool comprised riders from the 5 FIM Sporting Commissions (Road Racing, Motocross, Trial, Enduro and Track Racing) who had participated in various 2009 FIM World Championships. These riders would have to provide the FIM with their whereabouts information using the on-line ADAMS system. However, riders who were not part of the pool remained subject to unexpected out-of-competition testing. Moreover, all riders remained subject to in-competition testing.
* Following a conference that had been recently held in Moscow, the FIM had received a further invitation from the United Nations authorities in Geneva. A workshop on road safety had been held in January in New Delhi aimed at assisting India and other Asian countries in implementing the Vienna Convention on traffic. The FIM was active in this field and information about this subject had been given to the UAM. A FIM-UAM letter of information, similar to the one produced for the ULM, had been published and sent which gave detailed information about the United Nations workshop.
* Mr Damen, CMT President, said that Mr Chatterton-Ross' report showed the importance of having a person in charge of public affairs at international level. The CMT was trying to reflect the action plan of the commission in concrete actions. One of the results would be to relaunch the network that the CMT had started fifteen years ago with training of experts. A symposium about rider training would be held in Canada in 2011.
* The Sports Director informed the Management Council that thirty-two permanent teams had participated in the FIM Q-Tel Endurance World Championship, which was run by the FIM, that season, a new record in the whole history of the Endurance World Championship. The FIM and the organisers’ commitment towards the championship had been rewarded by a stronger interest not only from the teams, but also from the manufacturers.
* The “FIM Gala Ceremony” project, which was consistent with the objectives of the FIM Strategic Plan, consisted in organising a ceremony which would bring together the World Champions from all disciplines, riding legends, and promoters as well as representatives from the industry and the media. The event, called the "FIM Gala Ceremony" (change of name in order to avoid confusion with the "FIM MotoGP Awards"), would be held on 3 December in the Casino of Estoril, Portugal. The FIM had already organised a similar event from 1993 to 2003.
* A Hospitality programme had been presented during the meetings in June and in October 2009. This proposal implied an important budget and could be implemented in 2011 during the first European MotoGP event. The construction of the Hospitality Unit would probably take eight months. It was explained that the idea was to use the Hospitality Unit for 10 events per year which would be held in Europe and that it was not exclusive for one discipline. The FIM would decide the programme. The Management Council approved the proposal.
* On behalf of the Management Council, the President welcomed Mr Niels Hansen (DEN), new CML President in 2010. Mr Viegas, FIM Vice-President, informed the Management Council that he and the Chief Executive Officer had participated in the CML meetings in order to inform the CML members about the request from the Management Council to establish an Action Plan for leisure motorcycling by 30 April 2010. He added that the CML President had been elected by the members of the commission and Mr Franz Pintarich (AUT) had been elected as CML Vice-President.
* Mr Vaessen, FIM Honorary President, informed the Management Council that he wished to give back the title of "FIM Honorary President" which had been awarded to him in 2000. Among other reasons, he thought that it restricted his activities within the FIM, in particular because of Article 11.2.3 of the FIM Statutes, which had been established in 2007, seven years after he had been awarded this title. Afterwards, Mr Vaessen left the meeting room.
* The Extraordinary Management Council meetings were held in Geneva on June 18 (closed meeting), 19 and 20, 2010. Following the organisation of Enduro Extreme events, contacts were established with these organisers in order to bring these events under the FIM umbrella. The Management Council decided to create the FIM Enduro Extreme World Cup as from 2011.
* The FIM Academy followed a path already opened by other sporting Federations (Cycling, Ski, Basketball…). The idea was to implement training programmes for officials.
* The FIM e-power International Championship had started earlier that year. There were six participants at each of the first two events in Europe, and for the round in Laguna Seca there were 14 entries from three continents, representing more or less 75% of the total existing market for electric prototypes. Most of them, if not all, had no mass production project in the immediate term.
* In the Marketing and Communication area, it was stated that the traffic on the FIM websites kept on increasing, with over one million page views to date, a 21% increase in relation to 2009. Moreover, the “FIM Moto Show” reached 72 programmes, being broadcast in 93 countries with all disciplines represented.
* The FIM Gala Ceremony would be held in the Casino of Estoril (Portugal) on 3 December 2010. The hospitality unit would be ready for the 2011 season. The inauguration would be held at the Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez de la Frontera.
* The last FIM Congress – in the form it had been run for the last forty years or more – was held at the Venetian Hotel in Macau, China, from 17 to 23 October. The main issue was the election of the FIM President. In the first Management Council meeting, the following subjects were reviewed, as another important issue would be put to the vote: the new Statutes would be presented following the elaboration of the Strategic Plan.
* The negotiations on the revision of contracts were suspended the previous summer following an unexpected drop in the exchange rate of the Euro, then resumed when the situation improved: the discussions were now focused on a change of currency in the contracts.
* In 2012, the Moto3 class would replace the 125cc class. MotoGP would be equipped with 1000cc engines again.
* The President expressed a wish for new regulations for the engines used in Superbike and Supersport to reduce costs and maintain the greatest number possible of riders on the grid.
* The President indicated that he was a candidate for re-election at the General Assembly. He would not chair the meeting on that occasion. Among the three Vice-Presidents who would not stand for re-election, Mr Andrzej Witkowski (from Poland) was chosen as chair.
* Various rules in the Statutes would change after their approval: a new cycle of meetings and a reduction in their length would be introduced, as well as a new name for the Management Council: the Board of Directors, which would take place on Friday, the General Assembly on Saturday and a Symposium on Sunday.
* The new composition of the Executive Board would be: the President, 2 Vice-Presidents, one CONU representative, and the Chief Executive Officer (without voting right). The CONU Presidents had to elect or otherwise indicate their representative.
* FIM training camps were developing very fast; a large number had been organised for Enduro in the previous year, as well as camps for Trial, with former World Champions riders as instructors (Giovanni Sala, Diego Bosis…). Moreover, 227 seminars with 3262 participants and 86 instructors had been held between 2007 and 2010: 12 in Africa, 13 in North America, 33 in Asia, 26 in Latin America, 126 in Europe and 7 in Oceania, organised by 56 FMNs.
* The General Assembly took place on October 19. The first vote was for the amendments to the Statutes and By-Laws which were accepted except for a couple of articles voted separately and rejected. The new Statutes and By-Laws came into force immediately.
* Mr Vito Ippolito was re-elected as FIM President for a second 4-year term, with 55 votes, against 41 for French candidate Jean-Pierre Mougin. For Board Members/Vice-Presidents, MM. Nasser Bin Khalifa Al Atya, Jorge Viegas and David White were elected for four years. Finally, MM. David Francis and Stig Klemetz were elected as FIM Internal Auditors.
* The name of the Commission for Leisure Motorcycling was changed into Touring & Leisure Commission (CTL). Three Commission Presidents, MM. Jean-Marc Crumière (CTR), Amedeo Michelotti (CER) and Hans-Robert Kreutz (CMI) would not seek a reappointment in their respective Commissions. All mandates would be terminated on 31 December 2010 – except 3 out of 6 Vice-Presidents/Board Members elected or re-elected in 2008, whose mandates would go until 2012 – in order to align the mandates with that of the President, which would run until 2014. After the Congress a candidature call would be sent to all FMNs for the positions of Commission Directors and Members, and the nominations would take place during the next meeting of the Board of Directors on 2 December 2010 in Estoril, Portugal, in conjunction with the FIM Gala.
* The new Commission for Cross-Country Rallies (CRT) was accepted.
* The FIM Indoor Enduro World Cup became a World Championship.
* According to the new Statutes, the Conference Meetings usually held in February would no longer take place. The Annual Meeting would be held in the form of a General Assembly, and no longer a Congress or Biennial Session. Each year would have four Board of Directors meetings, in February, June, September and November/December.
* Regarding the Commissions, a briefing for all the Commissions would be held on 5 and 6 February 2011 in Geneva. Such a meeting would be held every 4 years (this was to remain a mere wish…); the Bureau of each Commission would meet twice a year, date and venue to be decided by the Director. Ideally, these meetings should coincide with sporting events.
* Various candidatures came up for the following years: Krakow (Poland), Opatija (Croatia) and Qatar for 2012, and Amsterdam (Netherlands) for 2014.
* Two African countries were accepted as FIM Members: Tanzania and Uganda.
* The second session of the Board of Directors on 22 October 2010 included a meeting with the Commissions’ Directors, already in its new composition: Messrs. Vito Ippolito (President), Jorge Viegas (Deputy President, in charge of finance), Robert Rasor (Vice-President), Nasser Al Atya (BD member), Andrzej Witkowski (BD member), David White (BD member), Marilynn Bastedo (FIM North America), Darryl Hiddle (FIM Oceania), Vincenzo Mazzi (FIM Europe), Beaulah Schoeman (FIM Africa, EB member), Stefan Carapiet (FIM Asia), Pedro Venturo (FIM Latin America), Commission Directors Claude Danis (CCR), Wolfgang Srb (CMS), Jean-Marc Crumière (CTR), Amedeo Michelotti (CEN), Roy Otto (CCP), Niels Hansen (CTL), Achilles Damen (CMT), Giancarlo Pasini (CIE), Oriol Puig Bulto (CTI), Hans-Robert Kreutz (CMI), Clotilde Galy (CJI), Angelos Bavellas (Internal Auditor). Another Board member, Mr Joan Moreta, was not present.
* 2010’s last Board member meeting was held at the Palacio Hotel in Estoril on 2 December with the Commission Directors in partial attendance. As a first signal of the implementation of the new Statutes following the Strategic Plan, the President drew the attention of the Board Members to their duty with regards to conflicts of interest or loyalty in relation to the agenda and/or pre-circulated documents. Any such conflict had to be declared, according to good practice, at the beginning of each meeting. As stated in the Statutes, any individual member who declared a conflict would have to leave the room when this item was being discussed. Furthermore, according to the BD terms of reference, BD members were not permitted, either during or after their term of office, to share or use information deemed confidential by the FIM. The same message had to be communicated with respect to decisions taken; no dissenting points of view should be expressed outside formal Board discussions.
* The President announced that a 3 year contract had been signed with the company Tag Heuer, which had become FIM Official Watch and Timing Partner. Tag Heuer would provide several FIM Championships with timing and data management services.
* The absence of Supercross World Champion Ryan Dungey at the FIM Gala was discussed. It was decided to fine him CHF 50,000.-
* Board members and Commission Directors discussed the nomination of the Commission members. Subsequently the Commission members were appointed until 2014. The members of the 6 Board committees were also nominated.
* A new format for minutes was approved for all FIM bodies – with minor refinements – as being more efficient.
* Except in special circumstances, all decisions taken even after a vote would be indicated as resolved without indicating the number of votes in favour and against and abstentions.
* The BD meetings for 2011 were confirmed: 6 March, 26 June, 25 September, Nov/Dec 2011 in conjunction with the General Assembly or FIM Gala.

2011: New Governance system

* The first Board of Directors meeting held under the new Governance system, approved at the Macau Congress, was held in Geneva on March 6. The Deputy President, still appointed by the President, was Mr Jorge Viegas, also in charge of Finances. Mr Robert Rasor was Vice-President, keeping on with the Alternative Energies. Mr Beaulah Schoeman FIM Africa President was chosen as CONU representative within the Executive Board, composed of the four mentioned persons plus the Chief Executive Officer (without voting rights). The Members of the Board were Messrs Nasser Bin Khalifa Al Attiyah (QAT), Juan Moreta (SPA), Andrzej Witkowski (POL) and David White (AUS). The CONU Presidents were Stefan Carapiet (FIM Asia), Robert Dingman (FIM North America), Darryl Hiddle (FIM Oceania), Vincenzo MAzzi (UEM) and Pedro Venturo (FIM Latin-America), beside Mrs Schoeman.
* Mr Larbi Rida-Sbaï was appointed CRT Director (in the place of Mr Konstantidinis).
* The claim against riders who were not present at the FIM Gala was withdrawn: it was considered that the information provided to riders, FMNs, promoters, etc. had not been sufficiently circulated and repeated.
* The fourth round of the 2011 SPEA X-Trial World Championship held at the Arena in Geneva, was the first ever event that the FIM had organised itself since it was created 107 years ago.
* The Government of Aragon, Spain, and the Motorland circuit signed an agreement with the FIM to install an FIM Institute in the TechnoPark facility at the Spanish track. It was signed for a duration of 3 years and was renewable. The Institute would provide research facilities for the FIM such as standards for circuit homologation, protection materials, parts certification, training for technical members, research & development for alternative energies, etc.
* The first ever Commission Conference had taken place on 5-6 February; more than 200 Commission Directors. Members and Coordinators attended the Conference. Strong exchanges of ideas between the members of the various Commissions followed presentations on various subjects such as harmonisation of licences and rules, seminars, FIM Academy, increasing the number of young people and women, of countries involved, Continental Championship’s project, Solidarity Fund, Training camps, etc. Originally scheduled each four years, it would be held every year.
* The FIM joined the United Nations Road Safety Collaboration in the framework of the UN Decade for Actions on Road Safety. The FIM would also take part in the United Nations Environment Programme Conference to be held in Qatar at the end of April; the memorandum of understanding would be resigned.
* Various subjects had been discussed recently in meetings with Dorna and InFront: establishment of working procedures, harmonisation of technical rules (SBK), improvement of FIM Officials’ position, improved cooperation with CMI, CTI and CIE; medical procedures, antidoping briefings (Jerez for MotoGP, Assen for SBK), safety matters (circuits, clothing, helmets, etc.)
* A meeting of the Cooperative Motorsport Group (UIM, FAI, FIA, FIM) was foreseen during summer. The International Motorsport Environment Alternative Energies Council would also be put in place with 2 delegates of each organisation from the Cooperative Motorsport Group, meeting 1 or 2 times per year, in order to raise the visibility of motorsport within the framework of Alternative energies, environmental activities, etc.
* The following Board of Directors was held on June 25-26 in Geneva. It was the second meeting under the new Governance System.
* Relationships between the FIM and the FIA were discussed. Various areas of cooperation were underlined: circuits and homologations, alternative energies, Environment, Women’s Commission (one FIM representative in FIA’s Commission and vice-versa), Road Safety (FIA proposed to FIM to sign a joint commitment to support the UN Decade of Road Safety and to take part in a working group dedicated to the promotion of road safety).
* The situation in Japan (earthquake and tsunami, Fukushima nuclear incident) had repercussions on FIM events. The MotoGP at Motegi was postponed to October, the Trial event to August. The Suzuka 8 Hours was maintained at the end of July.
* The report of the Executive Director, Sports, Mr Ignacio Verneda, pointed out a series of items:  the relationship with the promoters had improved and intensified (more presence, harmonisation of rules, environment issues, anti-doping and medical aspects). New countries and continents were represented in Championships (6 continents in SBK, 35 to 40 FMNs).
* Some concerns were coming up about e-Power Championship and TTX GP; a framework agreement had been signed between the FIM and Mr Hussein in order to have 3 combined events: Laguna Seca, Donington and Le Mans. The event at Donington was cancelled… Other concerns were about the situation in Japan, unstable situation in Northern Africa, financial crisis in Southern Europe.
* Training camps were requested in Latin America (Trial, Enduro), in Africa (Motocross). New countries: Superbike in Russia, Motocross in Mexico, Trial in Australia, Enduro in Chile and Argentina, Speedway GP in Australia, Junior Speedway final in Argentina.
* A more efficient and more professional system of circuit inspections had to be put in place. New championships were set up: Bajas World Cup, Flat Track – Quadcross and Dragbike were still under discussion.
* FIM President Ippolito stated that the FIM had to remain a major actor in sport and keep on exercising its powers. Investments in terms of staff and finances had to be considered. A strong cooperation between sporting and non-sporting commissions was also necessary.
* Considering the needs of sporting Commissions, the CMS would introduce a permanent FIM Medical Director for MX1/MX2 events (briefings); a FIM Race Director for Sidecar was needed in order to improve the quality of events and racing. The low number of entries in SuperMoto was (already) a preoccupation. The 2 meter max method for measuring sound levels would also be applied to Sidecar Motocross and SuperMoto World Championships. Concerns were focused on the new EU homologation regarding Trial motorcycles and on the licences because of the rider’s age and the weight/power ratio.
* In enduro, the introduction of a Race Director, in addition to a Course Inspector, was mentioned. There were also concerns about EU legislation. There were serious financial problems for the FMNs to send teams to the ISDE. The sound check system (2 meter max) was expanding throughout the continents.
* Regarding the environment, a proposal was made to organise a survey on the environmental impact of the various motorcycle disciplines starting with Enduro and Rallies. On Alternative Energies, a White Book on the future of Transport Policy 2011-2020 would concern electric, fuel cell and biofuel vehicles, all solutions to reduce dependency on fossil energies: the FIM would have to show its involvement and remain visible. A meeting with the other motorised Federations was held in June: on the agenda was an agreement about the creation of a common council with common objectives as promotion of sustainable sports. Motorcycle markets: large motorcycle markets such as India, Brazil and China were identified and would be objected of detailed reports. New European Legislation was coming up regarding the technical rules. The CTL introduced a new event called “FIM Tour des Nations”.
 * The introduction of a FIM Hospitality unit was considered as a fantastic, high quality tool, bringing excellent visibility to the FIM, attracting media, sponsors and FIM partners.
* The following meeting of the Board of Directors was held in Geneva on 25 September. Two FMNs (MA and SVEMO) decided to withdraw from the FIM Speedway Under 21 World Championship final, held in Balakovo (Russia), announcing their decision just 3 weeks before the event. The case was deferred to the CDI. In Motocross, the MX3 class was lacking investments and teams.
* Two FIM plaques were awarded on the occasion of meetings with manufacturers in Japan, one for Mr Masatoshi Suzuki, former MFJ President who had worked closely with the FIM during many years, and one to Yamaha for their 50th Anniversary of Grand Prix participation.
* Following business movements, the company Bridgepoint, owner of Dorna, had bought InFront. Dorna and InFront were united under the same roof, which could bring some problems (legal, operational, etc.).
* The Association of European Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM) was facing two major problems: a strong drop in sales (-30% since 2008, due to economic crisis) and also various EU Directives and Laws against motorcycles. Common points were to be discussed between the FIM and ACEM.
* The new FIM CEO Stephane Desprez was invited to take part in the meeting, and would start his job in October as “Vice-CEO” of Guy Maitre, who would retire in January 2012.
* Some amendments to the Statutes and By-Laws were discussed and approved for ratification by the General Assembly, in particular the beginning of the FIM President’s mandate, “the day after the election”.
* A new Manufacturer’s Licence was approved (red colour) in order to adapt to the new conditions, notably little manufacturers of chassis in the Moto2 and Moto3.
* A complete review of the FIM Disciplinary and Arbitration Code, which had been established at the end of the 80s, should be made be made as soon as possible.
* The Management of FIM Prizes and Awards (for FIM Members, Environment, Road Safety, etc.) should be more efficient with a clear and transparent procedure.
* In the sporting area, the Japanese Grand Prix in Motegi was finally held in October, without any incident. In Superbike, a round in Russia in 2012 was confirmed.
* A new system for Seminars would be put in place in 2012, with the creation of a Super Licence for Clerks of the Course for FIM World Championships, valid for one year.
* The future of e-Power seemed difficult, as did the working relationship with TTXGP. The decision was to have the e-Power promoted by the FIM; and a final round at the end of the season with other Championships (a Master e-Power) in 2012.
* FIM partner Tag Heuer provided the live timing at the 24 Hours of le Mans, considered very successful.
* The last meeting of the FIM Board of Directors was run in Estoril, Portugal, on December 1 and 2 – just before the General Assembly on 3 and the FIM Gala Ceremony.
* The President was present at the funeral of Marco Simoncelli, killed in a racing accident during the MotoGP race of the Malaysian Grand Prix in Sepang. It was necessary for the FIM to continue its work to improve riders’ safety.
* New FMNs were candidates for affiliation to the FIM: Lebanon, Greece (AMOTOE replacing ELPA), Nepal, Azerbaidjan, and Moldova, FIM-Europe members who wished to join the FIM; Malta was also a candidate, but the affiliation would be delayed one year.
* The FIM Indoor Enduro WC was renamed FIM SuperEnduro World Championship for the 2012 season. Moreover, various events would be considered FIM Prizes as from 2012 – changes in the Sporting Code: Dragbike World Cup, Quad-Cross World Cup, X-Trial des Nations, Flat-Track Cup, Cross-Country Rallies Junior World Cup, Bajas (incl. women, quads and junior), Snowcross of Nations, Speedway Club Championship and Trial Open International Cup.
* “Stunt Racing” appeared as a new sport, already organised in various countries in Europe. It still needed study by the Commission. In Motocross, the MX1 and MX2 Championships would discover new countries, such as Mexico, Russia and Thailand. The MX Junior would have environment training camps in order to involve young riders at an early stage. In Ice Racing, a TV contract was concluded, and a new identity was created: Ice Speedway Gladiators. In Long Track, the 2012 Championship would finish with two rounds in Argentina.
* Regarding the FIM Environmental Award, a partnership was concluded with the FIA.
* The 126th FIM General Assembly took place on December 3, in Estoril, with the presence of 51 National Federations. Amendments to the Statutes and Sporting Code were unanimously approved, as well as all the various reports. (Strategic Plan Committee, CONUs, sporting and non-sporting Commissions…).
*The five Federations mentioned above were accepted as new members by the General Assembly. A Expansion and Development Committee would be created in order to look into possible problems regarding the National Federations and their affiliation. There were some problem cases: Czech Republic (fight with a second Federation), Ivory Coast (no contact, Federation no longer recognised by the Government), Kuweit (fight with a second Federation), Egypt and Tunisia (no contact since the “Arab Spring”), and Canada.

2012:

* The first FIM Board of Directors was held in Geneva on February 17. It was the first one with new CEO Stephane Desprez in charge. Various projects were already under way and should be continued, such as the FIM Institute (contract signed with Aragon circuit), FIM Academy, Harmonisation of international licences and FIM competition structures (Sports department), FIM affiliation (creation of the Affiliation Committee), strategic direction for Tourism and the FIM IT structure. The Management team was now composed of three Department Directors (Sports, Operations, Marketing). The Technical and Medical Commissions would now report to the Sports Department.
* Concerning the FIM e-power championship, there were synergies between the FIM and TTXGP. A agreement would be proposed as a way to go on working with Mr Hussein (TTXGP).
* The drafting of an Ethical and Protocol Code was agreed on by the Board of members, as well as an adjustment of the Finance Committee.
* It was stressed that there was an urgent need to work on the management of World Championship events and classifications and find an efficient process as it was part of FIM’s core business to give results as quick as possible.
* The FIM would be establishing a tender process in various areas (Sports, General Assembly and Gala, etc.).
* The following Board Meeting was held on 22 June. The President noted that there was a tendency for the promoters to organise World Championship events in new countries and continents. As the economic situation in Europe was difficult, organisers and promoters were looking to emerging economies where there were more possibilities and opportunities.
* Despite the economic situation, the FIM Academy was not a side-line activity but one of the FIM’s key objectives, in order to raise and improve the skills of its officials and develop its know-how. The average age of the Commission members was 55 years showing there was a great deal of experience but also a lack of young people; there was clearly a lack of renewal and maybe the FIM Academy had a role to play in this issue, helping FMNs to have well prepared young people. Moreover, 78% of the Commission members were European. There was also a need for members from other continents – and also more women…
* The FIM SuperEnduro World Championship was awarded to ABC Communications following a tender process.
* An agreement was signed for the organisation of three joint events (Laguna Seca, Oschersleben and Le Mans) between the FIM and TTXGP. Moreover, other events with electric motorcycles (off road) were in the pipeline, notably in Belgium and Denmark. Road Racing machines were actually very expensive, but the off road motorcycles less so, and they could take part in competitions and raise the interest of promoters.
* The harmonisation of licences was one of the main subjects considering the current, unclear situation. A proposal made by the Executive Director, Sports, was not approved by the Board, and a new was to be drafted.
* Two Commission Directors resigned: Mr Achilles Damen (Public Affairs) and Mrs Beaulah Schoeman (Women in Motorcycling).
* An overview of the 2012 sporting objectives was made by the Executive Director, Sports, including continuing instruction, safety and health, rule harmonisation, sound level reduction, and working with promoters, manufacturers teams and speedway leagues. The number of riders’ licences in 2011 was 4’627, a slight decrease in relation to the previous year; on the other hand, manufacturers’ licences increased significantly.
* At the CCR, a project was established concerning Drag Racing with a potential organiser. The Commission was working on harmonising technical and sporting regulations, in order for them to be used all round the globe.
* In Motocross there was now a Mobile Medical Centre at each event, with contribution from the FIM and Youthstream. The organisation of a Freestyle of Nations as from 2013 was accepted by the Board and later in the year also by the General Assembly,
* In Enduro, the two events in Chile and Argentina were very successful; there was a strong demand for this competition in Latin America.
* The Track Racing Commission organised a very successful Speedway Training Camp in Croatia, with the presence of World Champion Greg Hancock.
* The following Board meeting was held on 10 October in Geneva. A new direction was proposed for the e-power championship: a “promoter-type” contract with TTXGP. The target was to maintain the championship for electric bikes, first as a support class in 2013-2014, and then as a stand-alone class.  
* The European Continental Union held an extraordinary General assembly in order to change its Statutes and become the FIM Europe, The other CONUs had already changed theirs and include the mention FIM with the name of the Continent.
* The next point raised by the President was the change of owner of the SBK structure from InFront to Bridgepoint (which had happened some months ago). Dorna as MotoGP owner was also part of the Bridgepoint portfolio. Bridgepoint had left to Dorna the total management of both MotoGP and Superbike championships.  It would help the FIM in the harmonisation of the rules.
* The CEO proposed that the Commission Directors should report to their Executive Directors, and not directly to the Board, to have at every General Assembly meetings of the Board, Commission Directors and all Commission member meetings, and in February to have every two years (instead of every 4…) Commission working meetings with Board members’ attendance.
* The situation in Trial was worrying. Some Trial manufacturers were in financial difficulties. Meetings were held with manufacturers’ representatives, but the FIM could not grant all manufacturers’ requests. It was clear that Trial rules would have to change, otherwise the future of the sport would be endangered.
* The next Board meeting was held in Monaco at the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel – it would be followed by a General Assembly meeting and then by the Gala Ceremony – at the end of November.
* A change was operated in the Trial Commission: Mr David Willoughby resigned and was replaced by former World champion Thierry Michaud.
* After long discussions, the ACCR was confirmed as the FIM affiliated Federation in the Czech Republic – whose authority had been challenged by the CAMS.
* There would significant changes in the MotoGP class in 2014, with manufacturers providing motorcycles or engines for non-factory teams.
* The Dakar Rally was on the international calendar, but was not part of any championship or prize. Nevertheless the riders’ licences were FIM licences, which meant that the FIM was involved in case of appeal. The FIM could be liable but did not receive any revenue from such events.  A solution had to be found to avoid this situation.
* The cycle of Commissions’ meetings was now reduced to one February session every year (instead of 2…), as there was really too much work. The day between the board of Directors and the General Assembly would be used as a contact between Commissions Directors and Board Members.

2013: continuous changes

•    The year started with a staff change, as Marketing & Communication Director Olivier Godallier was no longer working at the FIM. The idea was to separate both activities, with each one having its own Director.
•    FIM Europe had signed a contract with a promoter allowing him to contract Speedway Grand Prix riders to compete in the Speedway European Championship, Obviously Speedway Grand Prix promoter BSI/IMG was unhappy: the situation needed to be put right.
•    The Executive Director Sports underlined a series of subjects which would need specific attention in the upcoming season: the fact that several calendars had fewer events (MX, Endurance, X-Trial, SuperEnduro…), the problems with Trial rules and the situation of the manufacturers. On the other side, the new SBK management (Dorna) would enable the FIM to develop the discipline. The new Technical Rules for MotoGP and Superbike would help to increase the number of riders and lower the costs. Endurance regulations were also being adapted. The arrival of Enduro in Latin America was very positive, as well as Motocross rounds in Asia. A comeback of Pairs Speedway was considered.
•    Former 500cc GP World Champion Franco Uncini would be the new FIM Safety Officer for GP, replacing Claude Danis. The SBK Commission would have CCR coordinator Paul Duparc as secretary of the meetings, and MSMA made a comeback.
•    An arrangement with Italian-based company Dromo and the FIA was established regarding the homologation of circuits.
•    The Clerk of the Course Superlicence seminars were held at the beginning of February, with 48 participants in the CCR (all circuit represented, covering the 3 championships), 14 in Enduro and 10 in Cross-Country Rallies.
•    Mr Thierry Michaud was confirmed as CTR Director, and Mr Armando Castagna (former Speedway rider), was appointed CCP Director, replacing Mr Roy Otto who was retiring.
•    A Board meeting was held on 18 June, in which the final shape of the new FIM headquarters (a circular building) was chosen. Work should start at the beginning of 2014, and be finished in August 2015.
•    A contract was finally signed with TTXGP for an eRoad Racing Championship (new name), for five years, renewable, with a minimum number of riders and events, trademark registered by the FIM; and a technical working group formed by 3 FIM/CTI members and 2 from TTXGP.
•    Following a devastating flood that destroyed the FIM Asia headquarters in Manila, the Executive Board decided to contribute to the replacement of the equipment, and help the CONU office to recover.
•    FIM Oceania President Darryl Hiddle (Australia) passed away in July following a long illness. A tribute was paid to him at the General Assembly.
•    The President announced at the October meeting that the CEV Repsol Spanish Championship, which was regularly forming young riders at the highest level – would become an FIM championship as from 2014.
•    New affiliated members were Botswana, Oman, and Malta.
•    A CO2 emission calculator had been created and was currently under testing.IT was the first emission calculator dedicated to powered two-wheelers.
•    The next Board meeting, General Assembly and FIM Gala were held again in Monaco.
•    The eRoad Racing championship had two rounds in America and three in Europa being held. The final, to be held in India, was cancelled, and Board decided to keep both classifications as final.
•    The proposal for a new class in Sidecar Road Racing, using 600cc 4-cylinder Superstock engines, was approved.
•    In the Motocross Commission, it was decided to introduce a Race Director in the Sidecar Motocross class. A Mobile Medical Centre will be used, costs covered by the promoter.
•    In Trial the Junior World Cup and the Open International would be merged in the FIM Trial World Cup, with no maximum age limit.
•    In Track Racing, there would be some changes in the qualifying system in Ice Speedway Gladiators, Long Track and Speedway Grand Prix.
•    A couple of days after the FIM Gala, the new Chief Executive Officer, after barely two years in office, would leave the FIM, by common agreement with the FIM President and Executive Board, following divergences in visions for the future, and on the way to handle problems.

2014: now and then

•    Mr Wan Zuharrudin Wan Ahmad (Malaysia) was elected FIM Asia President, replacing Mr Carapiet in the FIM Board. Mr Mazzi was once again not present at the February Board meeting because of illness. Mr David White was also not present, and the post of FIM Oceania President was still empty since the death of Darryl Hiddle.
•    It was decision to take time enough to choose a new CEO. For the moment, the management of the FIM Administration would be entrusted to three persons: Mr Ignacio Verneda, Mr Steve Aeschlimann and Mrs Françoise Emery, forming an interim collegial body.
•    For the 2017 World Games, to be heled in Wroclaw (Poland), the authorities proposed to have a Speedway event as an opener.
•    The following Board meeting was held in Copenhagen (Denmark) invited by the DMU for its 100 years anniversary celebration – and also for the FIM Speedway Grand Prix at the Parken Stadium.
•    There was no FIM Oceania representative elected and the seat of this CONU in the Board was still empty. There was also no decision as to the venue for the General Assembly and FIM Gala at the end of the year. A decision was made to go to Jerez de la Frontera (Spain), considered as the best option altogether.
•    Various initiatives were put in place for the 110th FIM anniversary, such as a text about the history of the FIM during these 100 years on the FIM website and the FIM app, vintage news and interviews, a 30 seconds teaser to be broadcast at the beginning of the General Assembly, a 2015 calendar with vintage pictures, etc.
•    For various reasons (including non-respect of various clauses), the contract with TTXGP for eRoad Racing was terminated – there was no 2014 calendar in June…
•    The FIM CEV Repsol International Championship was developing very well, for its first season.
•    Jerez de la Frontera would be appointed as the 2015 World Capital of Motorcycling, in agreement with the city authorities. Various FIM championship events would be organised there in 2015, and this should arise interest among other cities in the world.
•    The idea of creating a FIM Foundation was discussed. It would lead at first to establishing a working group.
•    Both senior managers (marketing and communication), hired respectively in September and November 2013, left the FIM.
•    The revision of the top priority objectives was discussed by the Strategic Plan Committee.
•    A solution for the current situation in Oceania would be a revision of the CONU Statutes.
•    The increasing number of activities organised by the FIM required a new draft planning for communication, including new technologies.
•    SportAccord was preparing to launch two sorts of Games for various sports involved. The Urban Games in 2016 (where the FIM could introduce urban trial or freestyle) and the Beach Games in 2017 (for Quad or Motocross).
•    The General Assembly on 22 November 2014 would mark the end of (almost) all FIM members’ mandates (Board of Directors except 3 members elected in 2012 would remain in place) and all the Commission directors and members appointed since 2010.
•    At the next Board meeting on 8 October in Geneva, FIM Executive Director, Sports, Ignacio Verneda was finally appointed as FIM Chief Executive Officer, a decision based on an internal succession plan.
•    The FIM Institute was officially inaugurated in Aragon in the presence of local authorities and representatives of technical companies.
•    The FIM Code of Ethics was approve by the Board of Directors, and ratified by the General Assembly.
•    Concerning the FIM CEV Repsol championship, the Moto3 class would become a World Championship run by the FIM; while the Moto2 and Superstock would be run as European championships by FIM Europe.
•    At the General Assembly in Jerez, 103 National Federations were present (102 with voting rights). Mr Vito Ippolito was re-elected for a third (and last) mandate of FIM President with 62 votes, against 41 for Mr Jorge Viegas. Three Board members were elected (Nasser Khalifa al-Atya, Andrzej Witkowski and Jacques Bolle), Mr Nasser Al Atya being chosen as Deputy President by FIM President Ippolito. Three Internal Auditors were also elected: Angelos Bavellas, David Francis and Mrs Anna Chatziioannou.
•    Three National Federations were accepted as new FIM members: Libya, Kyrgyzstan and Madagascar.
•    A Women in Motorcycling Award was introduced by the FIM Awards and Recognition Committee and approved by the General Assembly for addition to the By-Laws.