DOHA: FIA President Jean Todt on Monday night welcomed delegates to the 2014 FIA Annual General Assembly and Prize Giving, telling delegates that Qatar had succeeded in providing “an exceptional setting” for this weekend’s meetings and events.
Thanking President of the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) and Vice President of the World Motor Sport Council Nasser bin Khalifa Al Attiyah for hosting the event, President Todt said it was fitting to be in a country that thanks to the Emir, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, has “placed sport at the very heart its development”.
“There are a number of extremely high quality venues in Doha, which have been designed not only to host the greatest international competitions, but also in order to give all athletes, from the youngest to those of world-class standard, the opportunity to train or to keep themselves in shape in the best possible conditions,” Todt said.
“An example of this is the very impressive Aspire Academy and also the state of-the-art Aspetar medical centre.
“Numerous motorsports events are hosted here in Qatar. Of course, at the top of this list is the MotoGP but we also have the Sealine Cross-Country Rally and, of course, Qatar wants to welcome even more high-profile races in the future.”
President Todt concluded by thanking delegates from around the world for making the trip to the Middle East for this year’s event.
Al Attiyah, meanwhile, paid tribute to the Emir, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, for his role in facilitating the week-long series of meetings and the annual Prize-Giving awards ceremony.
“This is the first occasion that this prestigious event has been held in the Gulf and it was only made possible through the support of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for which we are most grateful,” he said.
The QMMF President added that he hoped delegates would enjoy the week in Qatar, and in particular the special events scheduled for this week.
“In celebration of the 110th anniversary of the FIA, on Wednesday we will host an extraordinary evening – Heritage Night, dedicated to the history of automobiles and motorsport,” he said.
“This promises to be an opportunity to marvel at motor racing achievements and enjoy our famous Qatari hospitality,” he added.
Meanwhile, FIA General Assembly meetings continues yesterday for the second day at St Regis Hotel. Todt and Al Attiyah attended the meetings as did FIA officials. AGENCIES
