Looking to further prove itself as a hub for top global events, the Philippines will be hosting the sixth Sport Conference of the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the world’s governing body of four-wheel motor sport, on June 4 to 6 in Pasay City.
Themed “Empowering the Future: Unlocking Motor Sport’s Potential,” the three-day event will gather some 500 delegates from national sporting authorities and 245 automobile clubs from 143 countries.
Held for the first time in Asia, and hosted by the Automobile Association of the Philippines, the event also includes the FIA Sport MotorEx, with over 30 companies and stakeholders who will be presenting innovative products and services, and offering an industry-themed platform for the analysis of future motor sport trends.
The three-day confab will be preceded by the FIA Sport Regional Congress on June 3 and conclude with the World Motor Sport Conference on June 7.
“AAP has been very active in participating in FIA conferences and we have seen their loyalty and motivation in promoting motor sport among the youth through efforts such as the Motor Sport Development Program. They have also organized many activities in terms of training in road  safety,” said FIA Sport Conference project director Frederique Trouve.
Discussions will cover key themes such as creating a motor sport culture in new markets, while activities include extrication demos and motor sport activities like drifting, gymkhana, slalom, e-karting and the FIA-certified online Gran Turismo Asian Regional Finals Championship.
Other topics include challenges of driverless cars, alternatives to the traditional car, e-gaming as a new way to embrace the sport, societal evolution, and social values in motor sport.
“We need to educate the new generation about motor sport. One of the most difficult things to do is to attract the youth to the sport, and we aim to do this through road safety,” she added.
A highlight of the event is the participation of former Formula One champ driver Felipe Massa for an e-karting demonstration on June 6. The Brazilian superstar retired from F1 last year after racing in 269 Grands Prix, scoring 11 wins, 41 podiums, 16 pole positions and 15 fastest laps.
FIA will bring in six electric karts for the demo, where Massa will benchmark an official time to beat by local karters and selected guest drivers.
Other motor sport includes drifting, gymkhana, cross car and the online Gran Turismo Asian Championship Finals, which be held at the SM Mall of Asia grounds.