FIA to 'think outside the box' to overcome COVID-19 crisis

FIA president Jean Todt has encouraged the institution's members to "think outside the box" and act differently in the face of the challenges that await motorsport post COVID-19.

In a letter to FIA club members, Todt offered an update on the effects the global coronavirus pandemic is having on the governing body's activities, such as the disruption of motorsport's various calendars and championships.

"The crisis that we are living through today is unprecedented, and the consequences
are being felt all around the world," wrote Todt.

"We have been forced to question not only our activities within motor sport, mobility and tourism, but also how our modern societies are evolving.

"The Covid-19 is causing an unparalleled upheaval of the world as we know it. Priorities will change."

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While Todt hopes that a majority of races will be rescheduled, the Frenchman admits that planning is currently undermined by "too many unknowns".

"For our part, we hope to be able to reschedule as many races as possible before the end of the year, but there are still too many unknowns to make any announcements yet, and the safety of our clubs, teams and fans is our top priority," he added.

Todt urged FIA members to come together to learn from the sport's current predicament and find new ways to tackle the challenges that will await motorsport when life returns to normal, the 74-year-old alluding to the financial difficulties that might impact championships in the future.

"We will overcome this crisis and unite in taking on the challenges of tomorrow – of that I am certain," he said.

"We must preserve as best we can what ties us all together, within both Motor Sport and Mobility, namely our core values of endurance, resilience, the quest for excellence, courage and solidarity.

"And, so that this challenge is not futile, we must learn from it as well: we must let ourselves think outside the box, act differently.

"We must find new ways of achieving goals, in regards to road safety for example, or to our championships’ sustainability when budgets might be reduced post Covid-19.

"I very much hope that we will come out of this stronger than ever. I would like to express, once again, my solidarity during these difficult times."

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