Date - 9/3/2010
Description - Fia President Jean Todt described Middle East as an important region for the world motorsport body and assured all support to countries like Oman if they come up with initiatives to develop the motorsport and other related activities.
The Frenchman, who replaced Max Mosley as the chief of Fia in October 2009, arrived in Muscat on a two-day visit en route to Manama, where the Formula One season opening Bahrain GP takes place from next Friday. Accompanied by Bahrain Motor Federation Chairman Shaikh Abdullah bin Isa al Khaleefa and Oman Automobile Association (OAA) Chief Brigadier Salim al Maskari, Todt yesterday visited ROP Traffic Safety Institute and Oman Automobile Club.
Speaking to the local media at the Traffic Safety Institute in Seeb, Todt said: “Middle East is an important region for our sport and activities. As the new Fia president I am keen to know the region. I have been travelling to different countries and visiting the automobile associations to know more about the sport in the region.
“We strongly feel that the Middle East countries are important destinations for us. We have been having a beautiful Grand Prix in Bahrain for the past few years and we have a lovely circuit in Abu Dhabi. There is so much happening in Qatar and then there is the World Rally Championship taking place in Jordan.”
“Now I am delighted to be in Oman and this a very beautiful country. I have come here after Oman’s presentation on road safety at the United Nations General Assembly in New York early this month. Oman has been a strong supporter of the road safety programme. It is a very well organised little country. I am impressed especially after I visited the safety institute,” Todt added.
Asked whether Fia has any plans for Oman, the soft-spoken former Ferrari boss said: “Fia cannot make plans for Oman. They have to make their own plans. But I can assure that Fia will give full support if Oman comes out with any initiatives.” Todt also said Oman has a long way to go, if they are to host international events like F1 Grand Prix.
“Oman is a perfect destination to host off-road events but to host a Grand Prix they need vast resources. It is not an easy task to have a GP here in Oman. I am not saying it is not possible but if they have vast resources certainly they can but I feel Oman has a long way to go.” Todt said if Oman can popularise the motor racing from the grassroots level, then they have a strong chance.
“Oman is very active in road safety campaigns which is very important because these guidelines are very much implemented in Formula One. I would advise the automobile association here to popularise the sport from the grass-roots level. I see a strong opportunity for Oman to organise some events that can attract motor sporting fans especially because this is a tourist destination,” he said.
CHALLENGING YEAR FOR FORMULA ONE
Asked about the current Formula One season where 12 teams are in fray, he said: “It is for the first time in F1 history, 12 teams are participating in a single season. There would have been 13 if not for the unfortunate and late pullout of US F1 team. “Twelve is a huge number and all these years we didn’t have these many active participants. It’s a welcoming move but we did not expect the US F1 team to pullout in the last minute.
“It is very unfortunate but we cannot take one more team because you need to go through several official procedures. “But I am extremely happy looking at the F1 season as a whole with new drivers and new teams. It is going to be a challenging year with new regulations in place and remember there is no more refuelling so it is going to be interesting,” he said.
Speaking about the return of seven-time world champion and former Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher, with Mercedes, Todt said: “Michael is 41 but I think he is still young and fit. He has a passion for racing,” he said. Asked if Schumacher has made an ideal choice, Todt said: “It is entirely his choice and when his legs are itching to drive the car once again no one can stop him.
A champion like him can yield good results. A driver needs to have a good car and a good team. A driver alone cannot do everything.” Later in the day, during his visit to OAA, the Omani officials talked about their plans for go-karting and other motorsports as well as road safety activities, the Fia boss promised all the support from the world body.
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