The Club International des Anciens Pilotes de Grand Prix F1 (CIAPGPF1), established in 1962 by nine former F1 drivers headed by Louis Chiron and Juan Manuel Fangio, held its General Assembly at Riccione on Friday in the presence of former F1 drivers and club members from the association's 100 registered members.

Maria Teresa di Filippis, the first woman to race in the Formula One World Championship, contesting 5 Grands Prix in 1958 and 1959, the cub's Honorary President, personally welcomed the members.

"So many warm thanks to all of you for coming from different parts of the world," she said. "I certainly hope that we see each other soon again as we all work around the same goal: to preserve the heritage of our sport and history and promote the roots and foundation of motorsport."

Before the start of the discussion, a minute's silence was observed in honour of Sir Jack Brabham who passed away recently and countryman Tim Schenken, an ex Brabham driver, delivered an emotional tribute to the three-time world champion.

The members agreed to solve issues that had to be addressed to amend the original constitution acts of the club, which were drawn up in 1962 and only revised in 2000. The new text, prepared under responsibility of Mario Theissen, and Honorary Member and advisor to the GPDC, was voted on and the new constitution was unanimously accepted and entered into action.

The General Assembly also approved the financial situation and confirmed its Board members with Howden Ganley President, Emanuele Pirro and Teddy Pilette Vice Presidents, Theo K. Huschek General Secretary and Agnes Carlier Deputy Secretary.

The first of the club's 2014 awards was assigned by the new board to Gabriele Fabbri GM for Hotel Promenade in Riccione for his outstanding support for the club. The award was presented by Maria Teresa de Filippis and Howden Ganley.

The picture shows: Theo K. Huschek general Secretary David Piper, Tim Schenken, Mario Theissen, Mike Wilds, Antoine Seyler, Nanni Galli, Emanuele Pirr, Vice President Vern Schuppen, Agnes Carlier, Deputy general secretary Claude Le Guezec, Maria Teresa Di Filippis, Teddy Pilette, Jo Vonlanthen, Gabriele Fabbri (ower of the Hotel Promenade), Howden Ganley and President Reine Wissel.

Chris Balfe