FIA safety delegate training sessions across North and South America, are making rally driving safer than ever, thanks to support from the FIA Foundation.  

Over fifty officials and organisers from 11 countries across the region were trained in the latest aspects of rally safety during two events. One session was held in Cuernavaca, Mexico, led by FIA Closed Road Commission President and FIA WRC Safety Delegate Nicolas Klinger and the second in Córdoba, Argentina, led by Francisco Romero, FIA Observer for the South American region.  

“The regional training programme is an important way for us to work directly with FIA Member Clubs and support the continued development of rally safety,” said Nicolas Klinger, FIA WRC Safety Delegate and President of the FIA Closed Road Commission. “Bringing organisers together in person allows them to share experience, compare approaches and apply FIA best practices in a practical environment. As rallying continues to grow across the Americas, it is vital that organisers are equipped with the knowledge and tools required to deliver events to the highest possible safety standards.” 

Across both sessions, officials completed a practical training programme designed to strengthen the planning and delivery of rally safety operations. The workshops focused on how to build a stage safety plan from the ground up, covering key areas including spectator management, road management, road closure procedures, team structures and wider event organisation. 

During practical exercises, officials assessed actual road sections and were tasked with designing a stage safety plan including positioning of start and finish points, marshal posts, spectator areas, anti-cut measures, protective installations and other safety interventions required to manage risk. Officials then used their own national planning methods and templates to prepare stage safety plans before presenting them to the wider group for review and discussion. This enabled participants to compare different operational approaches, exchange best practices, and receive direct feedback in a format that reflects how safety plans are evaluated in a live-event environment. 

The training also highlighted the value of regional collaboration, with officials sharing ideas and learning from the differing approaches used by organisers across the Americas. By combining classroom-based learning with practical on-site application, the programme supported local organisers in strengthening their safety procedures in line with FIA best practice. 

Daniel Coen, FIA Vice President for Sport – North America, added: “The FIA’s regional training programme plays an important role in supporting our Member Clubs and helping officials develop the skills required to deliver safe and well-organised rally events. The Cuernavaca session brought together officials from across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, creating a valuable platform for learning, discussion and practical application. By investing in training and knowledge-sharing, we are helping to build stronger event operations and safer conditions for competitors, officials and spectators.”