Several FIA European Rally Championship drivers, including Craig Breen and Callum Devine, used Rally Islas Canarias to support the FIA Volunteers and Officials Weekend, paying tribute to the many men and women who give up their time to help make motorsport events happen.

As part of the occasion, the FIA presented a number of volunteers with awards that recognise the essential role they play across a wide spectrum of disciplines for National Sporting Authorities (ASNs).

During his visit to the Bahrain Grand Prix this weekend, FIA President Jean Todt is meeting marshals and medical staff on duty at the event. He has also offered his congratulations to the eight officials and marshals who received awards for their hard work and dedication.

“I congratulate all the volunteers who generously devote their time and energy to ensure the safety and success of every FIA motor sport event,” he said. “Without them, we would not be able to go racing. In this unprecedented period, I pay a special tribute to the medical volunteers who are instrumental in playing a part in the battle against COVID-19.”

Ireland’s Craig Breen, a winner of five FIA ERC events in the past, said: “It’s a huge thanks to all the guys and girls who are allowing us to go and do our job, especially when they can encounter all sorts of weather.”

Current Motorsport Ireland International Driver of the Year, Callum Devine, whose FIA ERC1 Junior campaign is supported by Motorsport Ireland through the MI Rally Academy, has volunteered on events in the past. “It’s great what they do and it’s really appreciated,” he said. “In Ireland they’re usually standing out in the rain rather than the sun so hats off to them, they do a great job. I’ve volunteered on a couple of local rallies close to home, it’s important to try to help when you can.”

Some 700 men and women were volunteering on Rally Islas Canarias with 25 of those working as part of the expert technical team alone, such is the extent of the support required to enable motorsport events to take place.

In addition to Rally Islas Canarias, the deciding round of the 2020 FIA ERC season and the Bahrain Grand Prix, volunteers and officials are in action this weekend at Kyalami in South Africa for the FIA Intercontinental GT Challenge, at the FIA Super GT event at the Fuji International Speedway in Japan and at FIA Formula E pre-season testing in Valencia.

Anyone wishing to find out more about becoming a Motorsport Ireland volunteer, should click here or email [email protected] for more information. 

More information: www.fia.com/2020-fia-volunteers-weekend-resource-page