The FIA has unveiled an action plan to improve rally safety following two fatal accidents at national events in Europe last weekend.
FIA president Jean Todt called an urgent meeting in Geneva after six spectators were killed in an accident at the La Coruna Rally in Spain, which immediately followed the death of French driver Frederic Comte at Rally Mont Blanc.
The meeting was attended by several key figures including World Rally Championship manager Michele Mouton, closed road commissioner Ari Vatanen, World Rally Championship commission chief Carlos Barbosa and members from the Safety Commission.
The FIA has now confirmed a three pronged action plan which includes the formation of a dedicated task force to a assist rally organisers implement safety guidelines, as detailed in the below statement:
“1. Reinforcement to all authorities responsible for the organisation of rallies of the heightened danger in running rallies outside of the basic framework of the FIA guidelines for spectator and vehicle safety.
“2. In conjunction with National Sport Authorities (ASNs) and rally organisers, introduce measures seeking to increase the reach and impact of educational programs for spectator safety.
“3. The creation of a dedicated task force of FIA experts, which will be available to support ASNs and rally organisers and assist them in the implementation of the preferred Safety guidelines.
“The aim of the action plan is to have a positive influence in rally safety around the world, from local grass roots events through to the pinnacle of the sport at World Rally Championship level.”