The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has welcomed the 2025 cohort of its Immersion Programme for a week of dynamic learning and engagement. 

Now in its fifth edition, the FIA Immersion Programme has brought together 16 individuals aged 25 – 35 this week from six continents who were selected through a competitive nomination process with candidates put forward by FIA member clubs. The successful participants represented their respective clubs in Angola, Seychelles, Tanzania, Dominican Republic, Bolivia, Colombia, Australia, Philippines, Thailand, Moldova, Solvakia, Turkey, Egypt, Palestine, United Arab Emirates and Sri Lanka. 

The programme included sessions on Mobility, Sustainability, Tourism, Communications, Corporate, Digital and Technical Departments across FIA offices in Paris, Geneva and Valleiry. The itinerary also included a trip to Rallye du Mont-Blanc, providing participants with a practical insight into the operations of a race weekend. 

Supported by the FIA Foundation, the Immersion Programme was launched in 2022 and forms part of the FIA’s broader commitment to mentorship, inclusion and capacity-building across all regions by equipping participants with the skills, insights, and experience needed to grow into future leaders in motor sport. In addition to professional development, the programme also fosters deeper connections between member clubs and the FIA, strengthening the global motor sport and mobility network.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, said:

“The FIA Immersion Programme reflects our commitment to shaping the future of motorsport by equipping the next generation of leaders with the knowledge, skills and experience to thrive. At the same time, it strengthens the vital role of our Member Clubs, ensuring they are supported by talented professionals ready to drive progress at every level of the sport.

“This intensive initiative combines workshops, mentoring and direct engagement with FIA departments, giving participants unique insights into how our organisation operates while fostering connections across the global community. I am confident the 2025 cohort will emerge ready to take on leadership roles and contribute to a safer, fairer and more sustainable future for motorsport.”

Malcolm Wilson OBE, FIA Deputy President for Sport, said:

“The FIA Immersion Programme is not only a platform for learning, it’s an opportunity for collaboration, innovation, and leadership. By opening the doors of the FIA, we’re helping shape a more inclusive, forward-thinking future for motor sport worldwide.”

Emilia Markova, 2025 Immersion Programme Participant from Slovakia, said: 

“This programme gave me an opportunity to look into the FIA, its inner workings, structure, work possibilities and most importantly to meet the incredible people who work around the clock to make sure the wheel never stops.  

“It also provided the possibility to meet people from ASNs and ACNs across continents and exchange advice and ideas on how to approach different struggles. I believe that participating in this program will help me to contribute more to my ASN and grow professionally in the future.”

Camille Advoe, 2025 Immersion Programme Participant from Philippines, said:

“The FIA Immersion Programme has deepened my understanding and appreciation of the FIA’s mission as a global federation and organisation. I am truly honoured to be part of this unique opportunity to learn directly from the inspiring leaders of the FIA team.”

The 2025 FIA Immersion Programme ran from 2–5 September, with participants representing FIA-affiliated motor sport and mobility clubs from Africa, North America, South America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the MENA region.  

Immersion complements other FIA learning and development initiatives such as CareerShift and FIA University.