Saving Mika Hakkinen’s life with the Australian medical team in Adelaide and witnessing drivers walk away uninjured from major accidents has been the most satisfying experience to date for Professor Sid Watkins, President of the FIA Institute for Motor Sport Safety.

But losing Ayrton Senna, Roland Ratzenberger and almost Rubens Barrichello in one weekend changed the whole approach to safety during Grand Prix races for the racing fraternity. Improving medical conditions and facilities in motor sport and producing a coherent strategy for medical rescue and training doctors worldwide as they worked together in different countries has been the target of the FIA.

The "Medicine in Motor Sport'' seminar in Bahrain on April 3 is one of several steps in that direction. The FIA Summit is aiming to spread information about safety and medical advancements, to share ideas in order to provide new projects and to receive comments and suggestions about the ongoing research worldwide.

'The Summit will cover many aspects of the medical issues surrounding motor sport from the physiological demands across many areas of the sport'


If Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), which stages the Bahrain Grand Prix, has been getting rave reviews through the Motors sports arena and elsewhere, it has been due to the dedicated team there. The BIC, following its recognition as an FIA Centre of Excellence in 2007, has been selected to host the 2008 Summit.

The BIC became the first Grand Prix circuit to receive the prestigious Centre of Excellence award last year. The award, issued by the FIA Institute, highlights the aim of the organisation to encourage and promote excellence in all aspects of motor sport safety.

The Centre of Excellence Summit will be chaired by the Deputy President of the FIA Institute, Professor Gerard Saillant, who will lead discussions on the subject, with more than 150 senior medical professionals from around the world taking part.

The Institute conducts research into new technologies and disseminates a variety of educational materials on best practice in motor sport safety procedures. Their approach to research, and close relationship with industry, has resulted in the rapid development and deployment of a number of new safety systems. Current projects include the development of high-speed safety barriers for open-wheel racing and work to improve safety in rally cars and measures to protect young drivers in karting.

Professor Watkins explained: “It is the FIA Institute’s commitment to rapid progress which is perhaps the most satisfying element to our work. In our first three years, we have already commissioned more than 50 projects, the vast majority of which will have a very significant bearing on the way we go racing and rallying. With the help and support of all those working and competing in international motor sport the FIA Institute will strive to ensure that safety always comes first.”

The Summit will cover many aspects of the medical issues surrounding motor sport, from the physiological demands across many areas of the sport and also the forms of trauma and their treatment. Several professors and doctors, all experts in their respective fields, will be addressing the gathering.

The Bahrain International Circuit’s medical facilities are world renowned. Its on-site medical centre has amenities to conduct up to two surgical operations at any one time and it is amongst the circuit’s top priorities to maintain the high standards expected of the Formula 1 World Championship.