Armenia Motor Sport & Mobility: FIA Highlights Rapid Development

Armenia is rapidly establishing itself as a burgeoning hub for both motor sport and advancements in automotive mobility, a trajectory recently lauded by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) during a comprehensive three-day visit. The FIA delegation described the nation as a “model of development and leadership,” recognizing the significant strides made in boosting participation in motor sport and enhancing the safety, affordability, and sustainability of automotive practices across the country.

The progress is largely attributed to a collaborative effort between the Armenian government and The Automobile Federation of Armenia (FAA). A key initiative has been the adoption of the FIA’s Affordable Cross Car project, a globally-focused program designed to lower the barriers to entry for aspiring racers. This project provides FIA Member Clubs, like the FAA, with free blueprints to manufacture low-cost cross cars utilizing locally sourced materials and labor. The aim is to create accessible events, serving as a stepping stone to more advanced forms of close-road motor sport such as Rally or Rallycross.

The FIA’s assessment wasn’t limited to on-track developments. High-level meetings were held with several Armenian ministers – including those overseeing Education, Science, Culture and Sport, Economy, Infrastructure, and High Tech-Industry – demonstrating the government’s firm commitment to fostering growth in both motor sport and broader mobility initiatives. This cross-governmental support is a critical component of Armenia’s success, signaling a holistic approach to the automotive sector.

The collaborative approach is demonstrably working to dismantle obstacles to participation and create clear pathways for a new generation of Armenian motor sport competitors. Simultaneously, it’s championing consumer choice and prioritizing safer mobility solutions for the country’s citizens.

Valerio Iachizzi, FIA Secretary General for Sport, highlighted the innovative nature of Armenia’s approach. It was innovative and impressive to see cross-government support for growing grassroots motor sport and the economic, social and employment benefits this brings, Iachizzi remarked. He further emphasized that Armenia’s embrace of motor sport at the governmental level is a global inspiration and a proven model for other nations seeking to develop their own automotive ecosystems.

A particularly productive meeting with Kristine Ghalechyan, Armenian Deputy Minister for Road & Infrastructure, centered on a shared ambition: to deliver safer and more affordable mobility throughout Armenia. Ghalechyan accepted an invitation to join the FIA’s Safe Mobility 4 All & 4 Life program, a program designed to build capacity, facilitate knowledge sharing, and develop practical road safety projects with guidance from international experts. This partnership underscores Armenia’s commitment to improving road safety standards.

The FAA also signaled its continued dedication to the partnership, committing to further support the FIA Road Safety and Driver Safety Indexes through engagement with the private sector. This commitment suggests a long-term vision for sustainable growth and improvement within the Armenian automotive landscape.

Arayik Harutyunyan, Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister, underscored the importance of the FIA partnership. Our cooperation with the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) is highly important for the development of motorsport in Armenia. By strengthening this partnership, we can build sustainable programmes, raise standards, and support long-term progress for the sport and the broader automotive community, he stated.

Iachizzi echoed this sentiment, praising the FAA and the Armenian government’s collaborative efforts. This visit has been a fantastic opportunity to see the real-world results of The Automobile Federation of Armenia’s national and regional leadership. I’d like to thank the FAA and the Government of Armenia for their incredible partnership working which is building a lasting motor sport legacy for generations of Armenians to come, he said.

Arsen Manukyan, President of the FAA, expressed his honor at hosting the FIA delegation. It was an honour to welcome a senior delegation of FIA officials to Armenia to see first-hand how we are developing and growing motor sport across Armenia. With new initiatives such as the FIA’s Affordable Cross Car enabling new competitions and events across the country, we’re excited for the future of Armenian motor sport, Manukyan commented.

Aram Sargsyan, Vice President of the FAA and FIA Region I COFO Vice Chair, emphasized the clarity of the FIA’s support and the alignment of priorities. This FIA visit has been exceptionally productive for the Armenian Automobile Federation. Beyond the quality of the meetings, what stands out is the clarity of the FIA’s support and the strength of alignment on our priorities. We are grateful for the confidence shown in our club and fully committed to turning this momentum into concrete outcomes for Armenia and beyond, Sargsyan stated.

The FIA delegation’s meetings spanned a wide range of government officials, including Minister Zhanna Andreasyan and Deputy Minister Hasmik Avagyan of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport; Deputy Minister Gevorg Mantashyan of the Ministry of High-Tech Technology; Deputy Minister Kristine Ghalechyan of the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure; Minister Gevorg Papoayn of the Ministry of Economy; Lusine Gevorgyan, Chairman of the Tourism Committee; and Arayik Harutyunyan, Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister.

The FIA’s visit to Armenia isn’t merely a symbolic gesture; it represents a validation of the country’s strategic approach to motor sport and mobility. By prioritizing accessibility, safety, and sustainability, Armenia is positioning itself as a leader in the region and a model for other nations seeking to develop their own automotive sectors. The success of the Affordable Cross Car project, coupled with the government’s unwavering support, suggests a bright future for motor sport in Armenia and a tangible improvement in the safety and efficiency of its roadways.