The World Rally Championship, the International Automobile Federation and the Automóvel Club de Portugal will co-organize the second “Beyond Rally” forum, to discuss the role of rallies in the context of global sustainable development. The event takes place on May 9th at Exponor, before the start of the Vodafone Rally de Portugal, bringing together representatives from different entities involved in the WRC.
The “Beyond Rally Forum” serves as the WRC’s platform for sustainability, with events that promote discussion about the role of rallies in the context of global sustainability. Events in the FIA’s “Sustainable Innovation Program” focus on the ways in which sport can help drive sustainable transformation in transport, communities and cities around the world. The first event in this series was held in Japan, last March, before the first Formula E Tokyo ePrix.
Under the theme “Boosting sustainable development through rallying”, the event at Exponor will have different sessions, including a conversation with WRC General Director, Jona Siebel, and FIA Sustainability Director, Sara Mariani, a panel on biodiversity management, and an in-depth conversation about the importance of generating a positive social impact through rallies.
The event will also see the launch of the new WRC Sustainability Roadbook, which sets out a clear approach to achieving the objectives of the FIA Environmental Strategy, with a particular focus on biodiversity and sport, and efforts to find the next generation of female talent.
Sara Mariani, FIA Director of Sustainability, Diversity & Inclusion: “The FIA has long championed sustainable solutions in mobility and motorsport, but we know there is still a way to go. To drive change, we must continue to encourage industry-wide transformation through dialogue and collaboration with our partners, stakeholders and companies around the world. I look forward to this event as an opportunity to engage with the rallying community and drive this type of change and engagement. “
Jona Siebel, General Manager of WRC Promoter: “WRC has always been committed to protecting the environment and the communities in which we operate – whether that be through 100% sustainable fuels, local partnerships or the wider scope of our Beyond Rally initiatives. We are very pleased to take the next step on this journey by organizing this event in partnership with the FIA and the Automóvel Club de Portugal.”
Carlos Barbosa, President of the ACP: “The ACP has long been committed to climate action and provides extensive guidance and information on the electric mobility and automotive ecosystems. As a club, we are proud to support the FIA Sustainable Innovation Series and promote an even greater change in the sports and mobility ecosystems.”
