FIM Continental Union Executives Meet in Fiumicino to Strengthen International Cooperation and Share Best Practices
On 8 and 9 June, the FIM Europe Administration offices in Fiumicino, Italy, hosted a meeting between FIM Asia Secretary General Franck Vayssié, FIM Oceania Secretary General Simon Maas and FIM Europe CEO Alessandro Sambuco.
Regular contacts among the Chief Executives and Secretaries General of the FIM Continental Unions have become an important element in strengthening cooperation within the international motorcycling community. This ongoing dialogue is facilitated by the valuable work of the FIM Liaison Department and by the excellent professional and personal relationships that unite the six executives leading the Continental Union administrations.
The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange best practices and experiences in the management of continental activities, as well as to discuss a number of emerging issues affecting the development and governance of motorcycle sport and motorcycling across different regions of the world.
Particular attention was devoted to identifying common approaches to challenges that increasingly require coordinated action and a shared strategic vision. The participants also reviewed opportunities for further cooperation among the Continental Unions, recognising the importance of harmonising procedures and exchanging expertise in order to enhance efficiency, consistency and service to affiliated National Federations.
The discussions reaffirmed the commitment of the Continental Unions to work closely together in support of the FIM’s global objectives, while respecting the specific characteristics and needs of each continent. Meetings such as this continue to play an important role in fostering mutual understanding, strengthening institutional cooperation and promoting the sustainable growth of motorcycling worldwide.
The participants expressed their appreciation for the constructive and open exchange of ideas and agreed to maintain regular communication on matters of common interest, further reinforcing the spirit of collaboration that characterises relations among the FIM Continental Unions.
Alessandro Sambuco – FIM Europe CEO
“I believe that the added value of these meetings, whether held at an institutional level or among colleagues through bilateral discussions and small working groups, lies in their ability to ensure consistency, synergy and efficiency in the administrative practices adopted across the Continental Unions, while preventing important matters from remaining unresolved.
As these meetings take place on a regular basis and are complemented by frequent day-to-day contacts through digital communication tools, it becomes increasingly difficult for emerging issues to go unexamined or for potential solutions not to be discussed and shared. This continuous exchange of information and experience enables us to respond more effectively to the challenges we face and to maintain a common understanding of priorities and objectives.
In an era characterised by the need for immediate responses and timely solutions to the issues arising in the administration and governance of international motorcycling, I am convinced that this approach is both necessary and highly effective. It allows us to act with greater coherence, speed and confidence for the benefit of our National Federations, stakeholders and the wider motorcycling community.
Beyond their practical value, however, I would also like to highlight the human dimension of these meetings. It is always a genuine pleasure to meet colleagues from the other Continents and to strengthen the excellent personal relationships that underpin our professional cooperation. Mutual trust, friendship and respect remain fundamental elements in building successful international partnerships and in serving the interests of motorcycling worldwide.”
Franck Vayssié FIM Asia Secretary General
“Following the productive joint working meeting held at the FIM Europe headquarters in Rome, I would like to express my sincere gratitude and share my perspective on this pivotal step for our Continental Unions (CONUs).
Having officially taken up my position as General Secretary of FIM Asia on March 1st of this year, this summit in Rome represents a vital milestone for my integration and our strategic alignment. I would like to extend my deepest thanks to Alessandro Sambuco, CEO of FIM Europe and his team, for his gracious invitation and hospitality, as well as to Simon Maas, General Secretary of FIM Oceania, for his active participation and valuable insight.
For a new executive leader, being able to collaborate closely with experienced peers is an invaluable opportunity. This meeting allowed FIM Asia to benefit directly from their deep institutional knowledge and extensive experience, reinforcing a shared commitment to unity, mutual learning, and humble collaboration.
These intercontinental meetings are essential to collapse geographic distances and build permanent bridges between our unions. By pooling our strengths, FIM Asia, FIM Europe, and FIM Oceania are laying solid foundations to guide the sport in the right direction, with an absolute priority placed on nurturing young talent and creating international pathways for the next generation of riders.
Beyond our formal discussions, the camaraderie and unified purpose shared in Rome demonstrate that the future of motorcycle sport relies on collective synergy. FIM Asia is fully committed to this collaborative journey, looking forward hand in hand with our continental partners to elevate the discipline worldwide”.
Simon Maas FIM Oceania Secretary General
“It is always a positive experience to spend time with the other CONU Secretaries General and Executives and to have the opportunity to discuss the important topics affecting our CONUs.
Whilst we may come from different parts of the world, but there is so much that unites our regions via the common passion for motorcycles and motorcycle sport. The important topics, challenges and opportunities are very similar worldwide. We all need to have a focus on junior development, women’s participation and supporting volunteers.
In the case of FIM Oceania the longstanding relationship with FIM Europe has been important as many riders from Oceania use the FIM Europe championships as a pathway to the FIM World Championships. Likewise, the link between FIM Oceania and FIM Asia is obvious as we are neighbouring CONUs with many riders competing across both regions.
Sharing ideas, experiences and systems between CONUs helps us all learn from each other. Having an open dialogue and communication in this recent meeting has again been highly productive and positive.
Our thanks to FIM Europe for hosting this meeting and make us feel very welcome, as normal”.
