FIM Europe MAG 3-2018 by FIM Europe

Nr 3/2018 - May-June

THE AMENDMENT OF THE MOTOR INSURANCE DIRECTIVE

THE MBA MOTORSPORT-MANAGEMENT MASTER IN GERMANY

2019 MXGP OF HONG-KONG ANNOUNCED IN OTTOBIANO

INDEX

European Commission publishes proposal for amendment of the Motor Insurance Directive

FIM Europe at the MBA Motorsport-Management Master in Germany

3 10 12

Tragic death of Eric Geboers

16 18

News

2019 MXGP of Hong Kong announced in Ottobiano FIM EUROPE MAG

Chief Editor: Fiammetta La Guidara Photos: Dorna, F. La Guidara, Youthstream, Phototrial.it, R. Pairan, M. Zanzani FIM EUROPE Via Giulio Romano, 18 00196 - Rome Italy E-mail: fimeuropepress@gmail.com Ph. +39 06 3226746 FIM Europe MAG #3 May-June 2018 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 copying 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 (ÂŠFIM Europe)

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European Commission publishes proposal for amendment of the Motor Insurance Directive Together in favour of Motorcyclists European Commission publishes proposal for amendment of the Motor Insurance Directive (MDI) As global advocate for motorcycling and an active proponent of road safety, the FIM takes note of the proposal, published on 24 May, and ex-

presses its support for the aim of strengthening EU rules on motor insurance with the ambition of providing better protection for accident victims and improving the rights of policy holders.

As part of the process for re-

vision of the MDI the Commission launched a public consulAfter 2017. in tation consultation of the European FMNs, the FIM expressed its support for a scenario, put forward by the Commission at the time as one of several options, to require insurance at

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European level for vehicles being used in traffic only and to leave the way accidents arising in other situations are addressed to Member States in keeping with the subsidiarity principle. This scenario is not reflected in the proposal, which bases the scope of the MDI on the use of vehicles per se rather than the situations in which they are used. The FIM also alerted the Commission to

the potential detrimental consequences of an unintended economic impact on insurance premiums for all road users. FIM Position Paper on Vnuk case - October 2017

In the FIM’s view, if the proposed clarification of the scope of the MDI is interpreted to include use of vehicles in some

or all forms of motor sport, this would have serious implications for the practice of motor sports activities in Europe in the future as it could lead to motor sport events being dependent on the willing of the insurance companies to provide the requisite cover at an affordable cost. The FIM therefore urges the parties involved in the legislative process to take steps to evaluate

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the real impact of mandatory third-party liability insurance on all motor vehicles being used in such a way that they fall within the proposed definition.

The FIM looks forward to fruitful exchanges during the upcoming phases of legislative process with a view to finding an outcome that will strengthen the EU rules on motor

insurance in order to provide better protection for accident victims while preserving the future of motorcycling and other motor sports. Commenting on the proposal, FIM Europe President Dr Wolfgang Srb stated: «We recognise the efforts of the European Commission to reflect the decisions of the European Court of Justice upon several cases, including the

Vnuk one. However, the unintended consequences of these judgment must be resolved by the EU institutions to avoid having an adverse wider impact. FIM Europe will continue to attend to each stage in the process and do everything to assist in obtaining a resolution».

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>>> The European Commission proposal to amend the motor insurance directive <<< Consumer Financial Services: stronger insurance rules to protect victims of motor vehicle accidents Brussels, 24 May 2018

The European Commission is today proposing to strengthen EU rules on motor insurance to better protect victims of motor vehicle accidents and improve the rights of insurance policyholders.

Today's proposal will ensure that victims of motor vehicle accidents receive the full compensation they are due, even when the insurer is in-

solvent.The revamped rules will also ensure that those who have a previous claims history in another EU Member State are treated equally to domestic policyholders, and potentially benefit from better insurance conditions.

Valdis Dombrovskis, Vice-President responsible for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union said: «With today's proposals, we are ensuring that victims of motor vehicle accidents will be better protected in future. In addition, when people move across borders and purchase a motor insurance policy in another EU Member State, their claims history will be treated in the same way as those of

domestic consumers. This is good news for those who move across the EU and for all of us as EU citizens».

Jyrki Katainen, Vice-President responsible for Jobs, Growth, Investment and Competitiveness said: «The Motor Insurance Directive underpins a smooth functioning of the single market for motor insurance for the benefit of drivers and potential victims of motor vehicle accidents. We facilitate mobility across the EU through portability of the claims history. Furthermore, we improve access to compensation of victims of motor accidents in case of insolvency of an insurer and reinforce combat against uninsured driving».

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The proposal to amend the Motor Insurance Directive will also make it easier for authorities to combat uninsured driving. It aligns the minimum levels of cover by motor insurance across the EU. Finally, it clarifies the scope of the Motor Insurance Directive following recent rulings of the Court of Justice of the European Union. Today's proposal is another follow up to the Commission's Consumer Financial Services Action Plan of March 2017.

Proposed changes to the current EU motor insurance rules:

The Commission proposes

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the following changes:

Insolvency of an insurer: If the insurer of the vehicle responsible for an accident is insolvent, victims will be rapidly and fully compensated in their Member State of residence. In cross-border situations, this will ensure that the ultimate financial responsibility is borne by the insurance sector of the home Member State of the insurer, while allowing for quick compensation to victims. Claims history statements: Insurers will have to treat claims history statements issued by an insurer in a different Member State equally to those issued do-

mestically. This should ensure that citizens purchasing insurance abroad can benefit from more advantageous insurance premiums, on the same level as domestic consumers. Uninsured driving: Member States' powers to combat uninsured driving will be reinforced. This should help to tackle uninsured driving which increases premiums for honest motorists. Minimum amounts of cover: EU citizens will benefit from the same level of minimum protection when travelling in the EU. The proposal sets out harmonised minimum protection levels for personal injury and material damage across the EU, as

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current minimum levels differ slightly between Member States. Scope: To enhance legal certainty, the proposal incorporates recent case-law of the Court of Justice of the European Union into the Directive. In particular, the rules now clarify that accidents caused during the normal use of a vehicle for the purpose of transportation, including its use on private properties, are covered.

Background The first EU Directive on motor insurance was adopted in 1972, with the objectives of protecting victims of motor vehicle accidents and facilitating the free movement of motor vehicles between Member States. Subsequently, five motor insurance Directives progressively strengthened the protection of EU citizens. In 2009 those were consolidated into one EU Motor Insurance Directive (Directive 2009/103/EC).

In June 2016, the Commission launched work to evaluate the Motor Insurance Directive, involving a public consultation between July and October 2017. The amendments presented today follow that evaluation.

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Family picture for Nürburgring CEO, Teachers and Students of the MBA Motorsport-Management

FIM Europe at the MBA Motorsport-Management Master in Germany This weekend at the Nürburgring one of three weekends scheduled for the current semester was held by the MBA Motorsport-Management organized by the Kaiserslautern/Zweibrücken University (Germany). The Master's objective is to provide students with detailed knowledge of marketing, financing, sponsorship, leadership in motorsport and contract law. The lesson on Saturday morning saw the lec10

ture of FIM Europe Secretary General Alessandro Sambuco on “Motorcycling in the International Sports Organization”. The lesson, which continues the collaboration started by FIM Europe with the two Universities of Kaiserslautern and Roma “Foro Italico” has offered the opportunity to the Master's students to make a focus on Motorcycling, given the almost total specialization in Car Racing. From the description of the

international sports organization and the institutions of motorcycling, the students passed the examination of the Organization Chart of FIM Europe and the processes and procedures implemented by its Administration. The CEO of the Nürburgring Mr. Mirco Markfort stated: “The cooperation between the University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern/Zweibrücken with its special course of studies “MotorsportFIM Europe Mag 3/2018

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From the left: Mr. Mirco Markfort Nürburgring CEO, Prof.Dr. Bettina Reuter Program Director of the MBA Motorsport-Management, Mr. Alessandro Sambuco FIM Europe Secretary General

Management“ is well-fitting to our race track. Two years ago this cooperation was the starting point for our project of developing the Nürburgring to a location of research and teaching. We´re happy to connect the universities in the field of research and teaching, the companies in the industry with their technical developments and also the motorsport teams as users of innovative technology here at our emotional ‘Green Hell’ and in the society ‘Nürburgring Akademy e.V.’. The fact that FIM Europe visits the students of the MBA for a contribution makes me happy and shows how important this project is to everyone who is connected to motorsport topics”. Prof. Dr. Bettina Reuter Program Director of the Master stated: “Motorsport in the future will face a lot of changes FIM Europe Mag 3/2018

and challenges. To overcome these challenges, a Professional Management is needed. That's why I am very happy that the Cooperation with FIM Europe and the MBA program of the University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern can be continued. Today’s lectures by Dr. A. Sambuco form an important part of our course of study. Together we will work in the vision of an international Management Qualification for Motorcycles and Cars in European Motorsport”. «The lesson was very productive as there was a good insight into the System of Motorsport federations and how a motorsport Federation is working in the overall and on day-to-day basis», the students stated. «There was also a very good discussion about the movement of motorsport

towards the Olympic games with the help of electrification of the motorcycles». «In my opinion it is essential to create such opportunities», Alessandro Sambuco stated. «Being present and contributing to the training of the new Motorsport executives allows us to be part of that ’functional’ network that will allow us all to gather elements of development and innovation at the very first moment in which they are conceived. Being able to sit together at the same table of study including International Sports Organizations, University and Industry would offer the guarantee of being able to adequately face threats and be able to seize the opportunities that the future presents us».

2019 MXGP of Hong Kong announced in Ottobiano

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Fiat Professional MXGP of Lombardia hosted amazing racing and followed by the important announcement of a new stop for the series next year, the 2019 MXGP of Hong Kong. The announcement, made just after the qualifying races, was given by You-

thstream President Giuseppe Luongo, who was joined by FIM Europe President, Dr. Wolfgang Srb, FIM/CMS Director, Tony Skillington, Moonmoto Hong Kong CEO & organizer of the MXGP of Hong Kong, Ash Zeak Yutt Sauk, and Moonmoto Hong Kong Partner, Pier Carlo Bottero.

The event that will be in the MXGP Calendar for 3 years starting from 2019 was announced as one of the twenty rounds planned for the 2019 season and will be scheduled together with the 2019 MXGP of China in Shanghai. Known as a strong economic, trade, and financial center in the world’s largest motorcycle market, Hong Kong is a great location to add to the list of spectacular venues of the FIM Motocross World Championship. The collaborative effort made by Youthstream, the FIM, and the organizer insure that the new round will be among the top events in the 2019 calendar. FIM Europe Mag 3/2018

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Giuseppe Luongo, Youthstream President: “MXGP is growing in many aspects, racing is amazing, facilities and paddock are more and more outstanding and the interest from national organizers is increasing year by year showing the rise of our Championship all over the world. I’m really pleased about the agreement we reached Ashley Zeak Yutt Sauk for the Organization of the MXGP of Hong Kong. Hong Kong is one of the greatest places in Asia and to bring MXGP in this fantastic city is something unique. I wish to thank Moonmoto Hong Kong and Ashley Zeak Yutt Sauk for the Organization of this prime event.”

Wolfgang Srb, FIM Europe President: It’s always a big pleasure to be here with Youthstream to announce these big events. South East Asia is growing and the interest in motocross is getting amazing there, to be there with Motocross World Championship is incredible. From experience we know the cooperation will bring to big suc-

cess especially for the growth of the sport. This is why I’m very happy to be here with all of you to make this great event possible.

In the other page, the podium of EMX300 in Orlyonok and, below, the start of EMX 300 in Great Britain. In this page, from top, the start of EMX 250 in Portugal, René Hofer in Latvia and the start of EMX 125 in Trentino Photos @Youthstream

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Tribute to Eric Geboers

Belgian motocross legend Eric sadly passed away on 6 May in a tragic accident on a lake in northern Belgium. The legendary multi-time motocross champion is reported to have drowned while attempting to rescue his dog. Eric Geboers was one of the many Belgian motocross icons and youngest member of the “Geboers clan” the eldest of whom, Sylvain, was the archrival of fellow countryman Joël Robert in the 250cc class, finishing runner up in 1969 and 1970 and third in 1968, 1971 and 1972. Actually, the young Eric started his racing career on the same day Sylvain participated in his last race. It was also the only time that all five brothers raced together at one same event. Eric’s FIM World Championship career was launched in 1980 by Sylvain, who was the Suzuki

factory team manager. He claimed victory in France during his second GP, becoming the youngest winner ever at that time. He finished his rookie year with a bronze medal. In the next three years he would climb the 125cc hierarchy: second in 1981, FIM World Champion in 1982 and 1983. When Suzuki stopped their motocross activities in 1984, Eric switched from the yellow Suzuki to the red Honda and the 500cc class. It was a time when the class was the pinnacle of motocross racing and united such legendary names as André Malherbe (BEL), Dave Thorpe (GBR), Georges Jobé (BEL), Hakan Carlqvist (SWE) and Kurt Nicoll (GBR). Eric was competitive and going for bronze when a broken leg in the British GP stopped his momentum and he had to settle for fifth. It would be the only

time in his 10 year career that he would not be in the top three of an FIM World Championship. Nicknamed “The Kid” in the Honda Team, he finished third in 1985 and 1986. In 1987, he was sent as the sole Honda factory rider to the 250cc class. It proved to be the right move, with a third FIM World Championship to show for it at the end of the season. The next year, he moved up again to the 500cc class, claiming his fourth FIM World Title after an intense battle with his team mate Dave Thorpe. This FIM Europe Mag 3/2018

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remarkable feat made him the only rider ever to be crowned in all three classes; “The Kid” had now become “Mister 875” (the sum of 125, 250 and 500). It also earned him the highest Belgian sports award; the “Trophée National du Mérite Sportif” which honours the best Belgian sports man of the year. Dave Thorpe and Eric Geboers continued their battles in 1989. The Brit came out on top and the Belgian had to settle for third. Dave joined the Kawasaki factory team in 1990, whereas Eric remained FIM Europe Mag 3/2018

with Honda. Their fierce rivalry persisted with Eric winning his fifth FIM World Championship at the famous Citadelle circuit of Namur. He immediately flew to Brussels for a live TV interview where he shocked the motocross community by announcing his retirement from competition at the end of the season. He won the US GP, the last event of the series, beating American Honda’s number one Ricky Johnson. Eric always said: “You are only as good as your last race…” Eric Geboers also won the

“Coupe des Nations” (FIM World Championship for national teams in the 125cc class) in 1983 and the world famous “Enduro du Touquet” in 1988, 1989 and 1990. Many years later he made a comeback to Motocross, teaming up with his brother at the helm of the Suzuki Motocross team working with riders Clément Desalle and Kevin Strijbos. The FIM, FIM Europe and the entire motorcycle community extend their deepest condolences to Eric Geboers’ family and friends. (Photo in action@P.Haudiquert)

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Drag Racing Seminar A Drag Racing seminar for Clerck of the Course and Sporting Steward was held in Hockenheim Ring, Germany. The German Drag Racing Organizer Badischer Motorsport Club from Hockenheim organized this year’s Drag Racing Seminar at Hockenheim Ring for Clerck of the Course and Sporting Stewards. The istructor was Palle Lind, FIM Europe Drag Raging Commission Chairman All participants were informed about FIM Europe and the FIM Europe Drag Racing Commission, and 18

about the duties of Sporting Steward, Clerck of Course and Starters. Extra attention was required, when it came to the information about the new 2018 regulations. The biggest news was the FIM Europe Drag Racing Commission and Promoter approved Junior Drag Bike Class. The Junior Drag Bikers will participate in 3 different groups, from 8 to 12 years called Minors JBM, from 12 to 14 years called B JBB and from 14 to 16 years of age, called A JBA. The Elimination will be all groups together in 1 race,

only with diﬀerent handicap start. The seminar ended with tests for Sporting Stewards and Clerck of the Course, all 10 participants passed the tests, and the FIM Europe Drag Racing Commission welcomes all newly certiﬁed Clercks of the Course. The seminar was well organized by Badischer Motorsport Club Secretary Sabine Tesseraux.

In the picture above, the 10 newly certiﬁed CoC and Badischer Motorsport Club Secretary Sabine Tesseraux.

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From left, CCP Director Armando Castagna, ACCR President Dr. Jan Šťovíček, FIM Europe President Dr. Wolfgang Srb during the Saturday of the Speedway GP in Prague. Photo by Vladimir Klatovsky

Andreas Perez passes away It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Andreas Perez Manresa, following an incident during Round 4 of the FIM CEV Repsol Moto3™ World Championship at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Perez was a standout performer in the 2017 European Talent Cup, taking two wins and a number of further podiums during the season to end the year in fourth. For 2018, he had moved up to the Moto3™ Junior World Championship, competing with the Reale Avintia Academy team. FIM Europe Mag 3/2018

The Spaniard was involved in an incident during Round 4 of the FIM CEV Repsol Moto3™ Junior World Championship and later succumbed to his injuries. The incident happened in the second race of the day for the Moto3™ category, with the red flag shown immediately. The rider received medical attention at the side of the track before then being transferred to the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau by helicopter. Despite the best efforts of the circuit medical staff and those at the

hospital, Perez sadly succumbed to his injuries on the morning of June 11th. The FIM Europe joins the FIM, the RFME, Dorna and the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya expressing their condolences to the family, friends and team of Andreas Perez.