02/09/2020
NEWS STORY
In light of the impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on motor sport, and the prospect of limited track activity in 2020, the FIA is taking steps to ensure that the Super Licence system that underpins the pathway from junior competition to the top levels of single-seater racing continues to provide competitors with fair and equitable opportunities to progress.
The measures being explored by the FIA Super Licence Working Group, in consultation with a wide variety of circuit racing teams, promoters and drivers, also seek to safeguard potentially vulnerable series by specifically targeting the encouragement of participation once competitive activity resumes.
It will also address any disparity in the system that might be caused by differing re-start times due to the varying threat levels presented by COVID-19 around the world.
"The COVID-19 crisis has had a profound effect on all sporting activity and motor sport is no exception," said Stefano Domenicali, President of the FIA Single-Seater Commission. "Many circuit racing series are experiencing economic difficulty, while competitors are naturally concerned about missing a season or committing to a competition amid uncertainty around the re-commencement of racing - and the negative impact either may have on their progress along the FIA's single-seater pathway.
"The FIA is cognisant of these concerns and we would like to reassure series, teams and competitors that through the Super Licence Working Group the Federation is developing solutions that will afford fairness to competitors, encourage participation and help series maintain some stability during this difficult period."
"We appreciate that there may be some unease among drivers over ever-changing racing calendars and how potential imbalances in the scoring of Super Licence Points could negatively affect their progress towards the top of the FIA's racing ladder," added Tom Kristensen, President of the FIA Drivers' Commission. "The Working Group is consulting with single-seater stakeholders in order to balance the points system so that no drivers are disadvantaged by the changed landscape of motor sport in 2020."