FIM Europe MAG 5 2017

Nr 5/2017 - September-October

FIM EUROPE EXPERIENCE IN FRANCE

TILKE: THE CIRCUIT DESIGNERS MXGP ACADEMY

INDEX

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FIM Europe Experience in France

Dutch Motocross Championship 2018 -Parity in 250 and 450cc

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Tilke: the circuit designers

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News

MXGP Academy Wraps up at the MXGP of the Netherlands

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Chief Editor: Fiammetta La Guidara Photos: Buonanni & Grandi, Dorna, 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 #5 September-October 2017 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 (©FIM Europe)

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FIM Europe Club Experience “France 2017” at Blois

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From 22nd to 24th September, FFM hosted the FIM Europe Club Experience «France 2017», which this year had its headquarters in the city of Blois.

From Blois, under the guide of JeanMarc Desnues, FIM Europe Vice-President, and Jean-Christophe Regal, FFM Touring Responsible, the participants

were led to enjoy the wonderful scenery of the Loire Castles, including Amboise, Chenonceau and Chambord.

Great satisfaction from the participating motorcyclists who, as always happens on these occasions, leave their jobs and titles at home and simply share their passion: Motorcycling.

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However, the event has been, as usual, an opportunity to discuss topics of common interest in a relaxed way, demonstrating once more the great value of these meetings.

FFM President Jacques Bolle managed to attend the Saturday dinner, not withstanding his involvement in Supermoto of Nations at Carole in the same weekend. But he really wanted to be pre-

sent, in order to give his personal greetings to all the participants. The welcome speech by FFM President Bolle was followed by the thanking for the perfect organization by FIM Europe 1st Deputy President Martin de Graaff.

The next appointment is scheduled for September 2018 in Joannina (Greece) and it will be organized by AMOTOE.

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Why the FIM Europe Experience is important Martin de Graaff «The FIM Europe tour has brought the participants to the wonderful Loire area. Riding from my place to the city of Blois via national and regional roads was enjoyable, with perfect weather.

Our vice president Jean Marc showed us one of the most beautiful parts of France with a rich history. The roads along the river Loire and the countryside through many small villages seem to be developed for motorcyclists.

The several beautiful castles which we visited showed us the time without motorbikes, but with horses.

«Being together with friends from different countries, riding together in this landscape, eating and drinking the famous French products, is the best experience for motorcyclists. The hospitality of the FFM, the French Federation, with their President

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as host, made a very good impression on all participants».

Alessandro Sambuco «When four years ago with Martin de Graaff we conceived the idea of FIM Europe Club we had in mind exactly what this series of initiatives are demonstrating: to stay together to discuss and imagine the best future for tomorrow's motorcycling by using an open sky lab with enchanting places, exciting routes to ride our bikes and tables where we can meet and enjoy the diversity of food and wine proposals coming from our beautiful Continent».

Stelios Korelis & Panagiotis Kalaitzis «As it has become an event to look forward to, we joined for another year the FIM Europe Club meeting, this time

held in Blois - France. We had the pleasure of great company (again), great rides through beautiful countyside (again), great places to visit (again).

«A whole weekend in relaxed atmosphere, among good friends, riding and discussing motorcycles and motorcycling, what else could we ask for?

«All in all it was another high-standard experience for which we thank FIM Europe and the French Federation for organising it, and for this we are thankful.

«Our Federation would also like to thank Yamaha France for providing us with motorcycles and Yamaha Greece for arranging it.

«We are looking forward to welcoming our friends to the next year's event in Ioannina, in Greece».

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Nils Freivalds «FIM Europe Touring Club Experience in France this year was magnificent, in one word. The Tour of the Loire Castles (Châteaux de la Loire) is one of the World's famous destinations and was well organized by the FFM. It was my first tour and I was amazed with beautiful views and castles du-

ring our motorcycle tour.

Mr. Jean-Marc Desnues, FFM Vice-President and his wonderful wife - Vivenne, JeanChristophe Regal, FFM Touring Chairman, were great, thoughtful and caring hosts, so the Club group was greatly supported and we all are thankful to them. We had a great time and wish there was more time for

more miles and places to see.

We look forward to the next year's Touring Club gathering and would like to invite more individuals to join another beautiful tour in Greece».

Jean Marc Desnues «The FIM Europe Tour Club

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Experience is a very friendly way to meet outside meetings or official competitions and share a moment of relaxation and friendship. Thank you to all the participants for making a long trip to reach us in the center of France and thanks to Alessandro Sambuco for having initiated this idea three years ago now».

Jesper Christensen «What I really appreciate in our meetings with motorcycles, is that we have no agenda. Conversations with specialised colleagues from all over Europe related to my professional work are extremely valuable. Not only general management, education, volunteers, clubs, sport versus road ri-

ding were at the list, for long exchanges of know ledge, wisdom and experience, during our rides.

This is what it is about for me, but nice riding, seeing local sights and some good food makes our conversations more relaxed. And next year will be even better!»

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Above, breakfast and relax. In the group below, from the left: Jean-Marc Desnues, Fabienne May, Jean-Christophe Regal, Stelios Korelis, Alessandro Sambuco, Laura Di Maria, Panagiotis Kalaitzis, Nils Freivalds, Jesper Christensen and Martin de Graaff. In the next page, Panagiotis Kalaitzis, of the Greek Federation, which will host the next FIM Europe Experience.

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From September 22 to 24, the FIM Europe Tour Club Expérience was held in the Loire Valley in France, with the aim of visiting some famous Châteaux.

From Blois, it was at first the "Royal Castle of Ambroise’ on the banks of the "Loire", and its chapel which houses the tomb and bones of Leonardo da Vinci, then the "Chateau de Chenonceau", famous for its elegant silhouette that spans the river "the Cher". The small roads typical of the region then

bring back the happy motorcycle troop to Blois for a dinner offered by the FFM in the presence of Jacques Bolle, its president. Sunday morning was devoted to

the visit of the majestic "Château de Chambord", the castle of “King François 1st" and Sunday afternoon to a free visit of the old town of Blois and its castle.

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Some more moments of the FIM Europe Experience Tour in France. Aside, the speech of French Federation President, Jacques Bolle. Below, a speech of Martin de Graaff during an informal dinner.

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In the photo above, from the left Rinze Bremmer, KNMV, Martijn Spliethof, KNMV, Martin de Graaff, 1st Vice President FIM Europe, Jeffrey Herlings. Photo ©E. Laurijssen

Dutch Motocross Championship 2018 Parity in 250cc and 450cc FIM Europe continues to accept 2-stroke as well as 4-stroke engines in the 250 European Motocross Championship The KNMV (Koninklijke Nederlands Motorrijders Vereniging) has decided to change the Motocross Championship rules for 2018: All MX1 and MX2 classes will change the name. MX1 will become "450cc" and will be open for 2-stroke as well as 4-stroke engines (parity).

MX2 will become "250cc" and will also be open for 2-stroke as well as 4-stroke engines (parity).

All the other classes, from 50cc up to 125cc, will be exclusively 2-stroke engines.

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Rinze Bremmer, KNMV: «It is important to keep the sport affordable for all the classes; the decision goes in the right direction».

«I think its a good decision to even up the cc for two and four strokes, also for the manufacturers», commented the multichampion Jeffrey Herlings. In the past riders like Carmichael could be competitive with a 2 stroke but because of the development of the 4 stroke engine the difference is to big now.

With this decision the twoand for strokes will be much

more competitive».

FIM Europe will continue also in 2018 and in the years to come to accept 2-stroke as well as 4-stroke engines in the successful 250cc class.

Eddie Herd, Chairman of the European Motocross Commission: «It is clear that we will go on with the concept of parity. Riders and teams will have the possibility to choose between 2-strokes and 4-strokes».

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MXGP Academy wraps up at the MXGP of The Netherlands The last MXGP Academy of 2017 kicked off at the MXGP of the Netherlands. MXGP Academy is an on site MX school for local youth at various GP’s in the calendar. The Academy is in partnership with Youthstream and FIM Europe.

Headed up by FIM Europe deputy and project responsible Martin de Graaff the program’s goal is to create true motocross athletes not just motocross racers, filling the gap between a good rider and an educated one.

Today the final group of the total 125 riders this year were 16

awarded their certification for completing the program. Teaching the program was Jan Postema and John van den Berk as trainers and Martin Van Genderen as project coordinator who together worked with teaching students and the parents everything from rider nutrition to attitude. The students at the Netherlands’ Academy were also treated to a special awarding of the certificates by Youthstream Vice President, Mr David Luongo and FIM Europe President, Dr Wolfgang Srb. With racing set to start the

next day the young riders were also given a tour of the Monster Energy Kawasaki Factory Racing Team before joining the thousands of fans to watch the best of MXGP and MX2 take to the sandy Assen Circuit.

In the photo above, the group of young Motocross athletes. In the other page, from the left Jan Postema, Martin de Graaff, David Luongo, FIM Europe President Dr Wolfgang Srb, Martin Van Genderen and John van den Berk Photo ©Youthstream

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Tilke: circuit designers Tilke is famous for its Formula 1 and MotoGP circuit designs, however the company also offers a comprehensive range of design services for smaller circuits, all from the pen of a racing driver…

In construction and planning of race- and test tracks Tilke is said to be global leader.

What is your secret?

Hermann Tilke: About 30 years ago a very small job at the Nürburgring was offered to me – a little extension of an existing service road.

After that, more and more race track related design requests came up, with the Sachsenring as our first entire design work. The Östereichring (today Red Bull Ring) followed and until now we were involved in over 70 race

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tracks all over the world. All these projects were never easy, we had to deal with different requirements, regulations, cultures, site conditions and so on. But at the end we always succeeded and developed great motorsport destinations. In all these years we never stopped learning and gained a huge experience. We established a highly qualified team of engineers, architects and experienced racers that have been working together for often more then 20 years. I think that’s the key factor of our success.

Three years ago, Dr Carsten Tilke, your son, joined the family business. How does the collaboration work? Are you taking things easier now?

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Hermann: This is definitely the long-term intention (laughs). But at the moment it is not possible, because of our high workload. In several projects we are working together closely, other projects he manages completely on his own and of course releases me through this.

Carsten Tilke: For me it‘s very important to manage projects on my own, but it is great to have always the possibility to learn a lot from my father. We often sit together and discuss about circuit concepts and new layout ideas.

We are not always having the same opinion at the begin-

ning, but usually we find innovative solutions as the result of our discussion.

How does a racet r a c k planning work? For example when a client wants to build a new track and comes up to you.

Carsten: At first, it’s very important to understand the client’s intentions and objectives. We usually start our projects with a Vision Workshop, where we define the project goals together with our client and reach a mutual understanding of the project.

With our experience we help find the ideal tailor made concept. A key factor is always the existing plot of land, which has a huge influence on costs, project schedule and track layout.

Hermann: Exactly. For a race-

track we need a relatively big plot of land, ideally near an urban area. These plots are usually not easy to find and there is often a reason why they are still empty – like bad ground conditions. Then our challenge is to design, plan and construct a racetrack on this land with innovative engineering services.

What has to be considered especially at motorbike race tracks?

Hermann: A track for motorbikes has a special layout which consists of fluent corner combinations. As well, the safety concept is different, for example the length of runoff areas, the height of kerbs and the positon and amount of safety barriers.

Carsten: But in reality we have to design race tracks, which are suitable for many racing series, such as motorbikes, formula and GT cars.

The track layout has to be interesting for professional, amateur and club drivers. Because of this, we often have to make a few compromises,

but from the economical and operational point of view this is understandable.

MotorLand Aragon has been developed by Tilke and has been awarded several times by the Grand Prix Commission as the best MotoGP Event.

What makes MotorLand Aragón so special?

Hermann: The historic old town of Alcañiz and one of the world’s most modern race track are an ideal combination and make MotorLand Aragón unique. The track is diversified and offers exciting races for drivers and visitors.

Also the operator and promotor are doing an excellent work.

Shortly it was announced that Chang International Circuit in Thailand will host the MotoGP next year for the first time, which was constructed by you. What can the drivers and visitors expect?

Hermann: With the WSBK the track showed that it can keep up with the international standards. Exciting races took already place here. Besi-

des, the circuit has an extraordinary grandstand. It is located on top of the pit buildings at highest point with a stunning view over the track. The visitors are able to see the whole area. Normally this is only possible in American ovals, not in road courses.

6 from 19 tracks of the MotoGP calendar 2018 have been designed by you. In the future the track in Palembang, Indonesia could join the calendar.

Can you tell us more about the current project status?

Carsten: Yesterday I just came back from Indonesia. I had several meetings with the main contractor and the Government of South Sumatera.

They all confirmed that they want to build the circuit as soon as possible. The track has been specially designed to host a MotoGP event. The completion of the track in 2019 is realistic in our opinion, if everything works as planned.

Besides MotoGP and Formula 1 tracks you also design and develop smaller projects.

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Hermann: That‘s true. We love motor sports of every kind and are involved in various projects. Our portfolio consists of many small Club Tracks, Karting Tracks, Dragster Strips, Rally cross, Offroad and MotoX Tracks, too.

About Tilke Circuit Design.

Tilke was founded in 1983 by Hermann Tilke and now comprises more than 150 engineers, architects, consultants and race drivers operating in various offices around the globe. Tilke is known as the world’s leading designer for racetrack and test facilities and is the most experienced company when it comes to planning and construction management pertaining to major projects within the automotive industry and motorsports sector.

For more information please visit www.tilke.com or contact mailbox@tilke.de

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From left: Alessandro Sambuco, Karl Gunnlaugsson, Tapio Nevala, Hrafnkell Sigtryggssson NMC President, Martin de Graaff, Jorgen Bitsch, Roy Wetterstad, Juhani Halme, Emilie Westbye, Per Velde, Per Westling, Jonas Nygaard Nielsen, Hakan Leeman, Kurt Ljungqvist

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Meeting of the Nordic Motorsport Council

On October 7th the annual Nordic Motorsport Council meeting took place at the Hilton Reykjavík Nordica Hotel, hosted by the Icelandic Motorcycle and Snowmobile Association.

The Presidents and Secretaries General of DMU (Denmark), MSI (Iceland), NMF (Norway), SML (Finland) and Svemo (Sweden) took part to the meet ing.

Also FIM Europe 1st Deputy President Martin de Graaff and Secretary General Alessandro Sambuco were present.

«It was a great pleasure to host the NMC conference this year and have our colleagues from the Nordic countries and visitors from FIM Europe visit Iceland», stated Hrafnkell Sigtryggsson, NMC President.

«There are many similarities among the countries despite their different sizes and we all

seem to share the same challenges within the motorcycling sports. The opportunity to have discussions like this and share ideas and solutions among us is immensly valuable, especially for us in Iceland as we are still developing our spoŕting environment».

On the Agenda there were a general overview on the activities for each present FMN and many issues of common interest.

At the end of the meeting Mr. de Graaff stated: «In this meeting many interesting issues have been discussed. The good cooperation among these five Scandinavian Federations has been already existing for many years. The exchange of good experiences and ideas is in favour of all of Nordic Federations, but also for the general benefit of Motorsport. Also the

common challenges for these and other Federations have been highlighted.

«After this meeting with Presidents and Secretaries General, they can work together to improve the duties and plans of all the involved persons. The several sporting commissions of the Nordic Federations are working also together in order to achieve the goals of the boards.

«For FIM Europe contacts of this kind are important, in our strategy the Federations are making the future plans for the European Motorsport. We appreciated the many 'learning' moments for our organization.

Thanks to the Nordic Federations, especially to MSI for their hospitality and good atmosphere».

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From the left, Steve Aeschlimann, FIM CEO, Stéphane Mertens, FIM Endurance World Champion, Dolf Willigers, FEMA Secretary General, Dietmar Krohm ,Steering Governmental Affairs at BMW Motorrad, Antonio Perlot, Segretary General ACEM, Dominique Riquet, MEP, Inés Ayaha Sender, MEP, Jos Driessen, FIM Board Member, John Chatterton-Ross, FIM, Silvio Manicardi, FIM Europe Second Deputy President, Jesper Christensen FIM Director, Public Affairs Commission

FIM Europe at FIM Policy Debate in Brussels

The discussion about “Disruptive Technologies & New Mobility Solutions: a leap into the Future”, with the interventions od Jules Frints and Stephan van der Burgh of STORM Project, Jan-Albrecht Jost, cofounder of Scooty, and Antonio Perlot, Secretary General of ACEM.

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On Thursday 28th September, FIM hosted its 2017 policy debate and annual reception at the Stanhope Hotel in Brussels. This event titled “Motorcycles & Scooters: A New Boost for Electric Mobility?” was supported by Members of the European Parliament, Ms Inés Ayala Sender (Spain, S&D), Mr Dominique Riquet (France, ALDE) and Wim van de Camp (Netherlands, EPP).

The event also saw the participation of special guest, Mr Stéphane Mertens (FIM Endurance World Champion 1995 and 2002), alongside Mr Jos Driessen (FIM board member) who framed the debates.

This introduction was followed by two engaging panel discussions which focused on disruptive technologies and new mobi-

lity solutions featuring representatives from the STORM Eindhoven Project, Scooty (e-scooter sharing platform) and the European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM).

Representatives from the European Commission, environmental NGO Transport & Environment, and FIM Public Affairs Commission (Jesper Christensen) then broached the challenges and opportunities tied to the deployment of electric Power-Two-Wheelers in the second panel.

The event was moderated

by John Chatterton-Ross (FIM Public Affairs Commission) and attended by FIM Europe Vice President Silvio Manicardi.

Finally, FIM CEO Steve Aeschlimann thanked the audience for its participation and concluded the deba-

tes with some exciting news.

FIM is set to launch the world’s first global multimedia motorcycling platform. The website will cover all areas of motorcycling policy and will include podcasts, blog posts, articles and interviews with the industry’s forerunners.

“I am convinced that what has been discussed is extremely important”, stated Silvio Manicardi, FIM Europe Second Deputy President. “We are sure that we will see a large diffusion of electric vehic les, especially in those cities which are now ‘worried’ for rising of pollution from internal combustion vehicles. Electric engines might really represent the future of urban powered two-wheelers mobility”.

The discussion about “Unleashing the Potential of e-PTWs: Challenges and Opportunities” with the interventions of Jean-Francois Aguinaga, Head of Unit for Surface Transports of the European Commission, Greg Archer, Director of Clean Vehicles, Transport & Environment and Jesper Christensen, FIM Director, Public Affairs Commission

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FIM Europe meets FEMA and FIVA at Brussels From left, Morten Hansen FEMA, Ian Churchlow FEMA , Doede Bakker FIVA, Rolf Frieling FEMA, Jesper Christensen FIM, Francesca Marozza FIM Europe, Palmino Poli FIVA, Dolf Willinger FEMA, Silvio Manicardi FIM Europe, Wim Taal FEMA. Photo ©Wim Taal

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FIM and FIM Europe, FEMA (Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations) and FIVA (Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens), which are the associations which represent the different aspects of Motorcycling met all to-

gether in Brussels, Belgium.

A review was held of all the major topics about the world of motorcycling under discussion in this period at international level: from self-driving cars to mobility tests to FIM Europe Mag 5/2017

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From left, Morten Hansen FEMA, Ian Churchlow FEMA , Doede Bakker FIVA, Rolf Frieling FEMA, Jesper Christensen FIM, Francesca Marozza FIM Europe, Palmino Poli FIVA, Dolf Willinger FEMA, Silvio Manicardi FIM Europe, Wim Taal FEMA. Photo ŠWim Taal

ment, and in particular on the positions papers that FIM Europe and FEMA have prepared and that FIM Europe distributed to all Federations during the FIM Europe General Assembly held last June in Rome.

At the end of the meeting, in a cordial atmosphere,

offroad circulation.

During the meeting, the results of some mobility tests in towns were analysed, where the motorcycle resulted to be the fastest vehicle to move around in cities (in some cases PTWs’ transfers take half of the time with respect to public vehicles or cars).

There was also an interesting presentation of FIVA on the issues that vintage vehicles face in circulation in various Countries.

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Morten Hansen, current chairman of this group, passed the deliveries to Dr. Francesca Marozza, current member of the Public Affairs Commission of FIM Europe.

Francesca Marozza will be in charge until October 2018 (photo 2).

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Changes in the Polish Automobile and Motorcycle Federation On 9th September 2017 Andrzej Witkowski resigned from the post of the President of the Polish Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (PZM) and from the membership in the Board of PZM. The role of the President of PZM was taken over by the previous Vice-President Michał Sikora. By the decision of the Board of PZM Andrzej Witkowski became the Honorary President of PZM.

From the left, Michal Sikora and Andrzej Witkowski

Jacob Douglas passed away FIM Europe sadly announces that Jacob Douglas, former President and Honorary President of the Swedish Motorcycle Federation (Svemo), passed away at the age of 91.

Jacob Douglas was President of Svemo from 1977 to 2004, and was also UEM Vice President from 1996 to 2006.

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«For decades Jacob Douglas has been a highly respected person in Swedish Motorcycle sport», Svemo comments. «His importance and influence in the development of the sport in Sweden were immense».

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A photo taken on the occasion of the Motocross of European Nations in Gdansk.

From right: Michal Sikora, President of PZM and Treasurer of FIM Europe, Marian Zupa, President of Gdanski Auto Moto Klub with the award for 50 years of outstanding service for Polish Motorsport and Dr Wolfgang Srb, FIM Europe President.

Below, the podium.

FIM Europe at the Motocross of European Nations

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A photo taken at MXGP/EMX in Assen. From left: Dr Wolfgang Srb, FIM Europe President, Prof Dr. Marjan Olfers, University Amsterdam, and Martin de Graaff, FIM Europe 1st Vice President .

FIM Europe at the EMX of Assen

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Mr Jos Driessen (Member of FIM Board of Directors; second row, right) was present in Brussels at the EU meeting of the High Level Group "GEAR 2030".

The meeting of the High Level Group GEAR 2030 Providing 12 million jobs, the automotive industry is a key EU employer. Due to its strong economic links to many other industrial sectors, it has an important multiplier effect in the economy. At the same time, road transport emissions continue to represent a main source of air pollution. The aim of the EU’s policy in the automotive sector is to establish an internal market for vehicles, ensure a high level of environmental protection and safety, strengthen competitiveness, and provide a stable level playing field for the industry.

High Level Group on Automotive Industry 'GEAR 2030' FIM Europe Mag 5/2017

The High Level Group GEAR 2030 was formally established on the basis of the Commission Decision C(2015) 6943 (89 kB) of 19 October 2015.

GEAR 2030 analysed and discussed the key trends and challenges which will affect the automotive industry over the next 15 years.

The group made recommendations to reinforce the competitiveness of the European automotive value chain. They produced jointly agreed roadmaps that set objectives, specify milestones and clearly define the responsibilities of different stakeholders.

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