Awards FIM 2018 Presentation

The new president of the International Motorcycling Federation will be elected in Andorra la Vella on 1 December.

Delegates from the 113 member countries of the FIM will vote to decide who takes over from Vito Ippolito. Ippolito has held the position for 12 years and will be in the Andorran capital today for the General Assembly presentation and the FIM awards.

On 1 and 2 December, Andorra la Vella will for the second year running become the capital of world motorcycling, hosting the FIM General Assembly and its Gala award ceremony. The FIM Gala awards on 2 December will be presented to the 43 world champions for all the motorcycles disciplines in the season.

FIM’s General Assembly will take place at the Andorran capital’s Convention Centre, with 300 delegates from 113 countries taking part. Elections will be held to decide the next president of the international organisation, the Venezuelan Vito Ippolito having held the role for the last 12 years over three terms of office of 4 years each, the maximum allowed. Today he was the guest of honour at the press conference and received recognition from those taking part.

The Mayor, Conchita Marsol, said what a privilege it was that, for these two days, Andorra la Vella was again the epicentre of world motorcycling, playing host to the sport’s world champions and leading figures. Similar sentiments were expressed by the Minister for Tourism, Francesc Camp, who highlighted the international media attention that the “Andorran brand” has received by being associated with the world motorcycling elite for two years running. Josep Maria Cabanes, spokesperson for Andbank, one of the main sponsors, gave thanks for being able to take part in such an event again.

Vito Ippolito, meanwhile, praised the capital’s ability to organise large events, as displayed during the previous year’s general assembly. He also added that it was a pleasure to return to a city that was able to meet the International Motorcycling Federation’s expectations in organising two of its most important annual events.

The President of the Andorran Motorcycling Federation (FMA), Natalia Gallego, revealed that the FIM’s events would begin in earnest on Thursday 29 November and would continue until Tuesday 4 December. The day after the award ceremony for the world champions, the Convention Centre will host the general assemblies of the FIM’s three continental unions. The event brings together all the motorcycle federation presidents in Andorra: FIM Africa (25 delegates), FIM Asia (30 delegates) and FIM Latin America (50 delegates). Gallego also revealed that the programme of activities aimed at the Andorran public will be outlined in November. These will include an autograph signing session by world champions that they will have to do to take part.

As well as presenting awards to the 43 world champions of the different motorcycle disciplines, the FIM Awards will also recognise the 10 world champion teams, presenting 5 special awards that will include one for respecting the environment, won by the Andorran Motorcycling Federation (FMA) in 2013 and 2015. The FMA is a candidate this year to win an award that would help it to promote trial races amongst the youngest competitors.