Sustainability was in the spotlight when the curtain came down on another epic FIM Endurance World Championship season during the Bol d’Or at Circuit Paul Ricard in France from 14-17 September.

EWC promoter Warner Bros Discovery Sports joined forces with Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), the governing body of international motorcycle racing, to organise the inaugural FIM EWC Sustainability Forum.

Hosted by Kattia Juárez Dubón, the FIM Sustainability Director, the FIM EWC Sustainability Forum gave the opportunity for guests to discover how key stakeholders of the sport are pushing their organisations towards a more sustainable future.

Taking place ahead of the 86th running of the Bol d’Or 24-hour race, the title-deciding round of the 2023 FIM Endurance World Championship, the forum heard best practice examples from Sophie Casanovas, President, Éditions Lariviere, the race organiser, Gautier de Stoppani, the EWC’s Corporate Social Responsibility Director, Thibaut Gosselin, Sustainability Manager, Circuit Paul Ricard, Nikos Psimmenos, an expert in energy and climate change and a Member of the FIM Sustainability Commission, and Adamo Leonzio, an engineer, circuit designer and former director of the FIM Europe Environmental Commission.

Gautier de Stoppani, the EWC’s CSR Director, said: “At the FIM EWC Sustainability Forum, we witnessed a powerful convergence of minds and a shared commitment to steering motorsport towards a more sustainable future. It was heartening to see the motorsport community, from organisers to experts, coming together to embrace responsibility. Through initiatives like EWC Cares and forums such as this, we are not only racing for titles but also racing for a planet that deserves our care.”

The FIM EWC Sustainability Forum, which included a question and answer session, also marked 30 years of the FIM Ride Green program (download the anniversary book HERE) and 10 years of KiSS (Keep it Shiny and Sustainable), FIM’s CSR initiative, which encourages organisers to develop sustainable events by framing and amplifying all the environmental actions already put in place by the organisers and incorporating other innovative activities.

EWC further recognised for ‘shiny and sustainable sports events’
Having received an Honourable Mention at the FIM Annual General Assembly last December for its EWC Cares CSR program, launched in 2022 as a key element of Warner Bros Discovery Sports’ global corporate social responsibility roadmap, the EWC gained further recognition from FIM during the Bol d’Or weekend.

FIM President Jorge Viegas presented EWC Series’ Director Jean-Baptiste Ley with a special KiSS 10th anniversary trophy for the outstanding contribution Warner Bros Discovery Sports and the FIM Endurance World Championship is making to the development of more ‘shiny and sustainable sports events’ through the FIM KiSS Program, dedicated to the organisation of events based on social, environmental and economic sustainability.

Upon receiving the trophy from President Viegas, EWC Series’ Director Jean-Baptise Ley said: “It’s an honour for us to receive this special recognition, which highlights the common effort we have developed hand in hand between Warner Bros Discovery Sports and FIM for the sustainability development of the FIM Endurance World Championship. We know how important sustainability is today and it’s an asset to have this collaboration on top of the sporting collaboration we already have with FIM. It’s another example that we are aligned in our strategy in all areas and at all levels and receiving the trophy further fuels our determination to accelerate positive change in the world of endurance racing.”

FIM Sustainability Director Kattia Juárez Dubón added: “We are thrilled to celebrate the 30th anniversary of our Ride Green program. We believe that the best way to celebrate this milestone is by working with our partners and raising awareness through the success stories of the key players in the movement. Sustainability is a team effort and in endurance sports we have worked together to achieve a more sustainable approach. We are grateful to everyone who has contributed throughout the season, and we look forward to continuing our efforts towards our shared goal.”

Busy weekend of KiSS activies during Bol d’OrKiSS Bol d’Or featured several actions and activities organised in conjunction with Circuit Paul Ricard. Chiildren currently being cared for at local hospitals enjoyed a tour of the circuit and paddock and also met EWC riders through the Cœur de Pilote initiative. In addition, the work of two local organisations was showcased in the Bol d’Or Village. Maison de la Sécurité Routière du Var used the event to raise awareness of road safety, while Handicaps Motards Solidarité organised a display of motorcycles and sidecars adapted for use by people with physical disabilities.

Bol d’Or marks final opportunity for EWC Cares Trophy submissions
The Bol d’Or marked the final opportunity for teams contesting the FIM Endurance World Championship to showcase their commitment to sustainability through the new-for-2023 EWC Cares Trophy.

From this season, each team’s sustainability endeavours directly associated with their EWC participation will be assessed by a jury with the eventual winner formally invited to the 2023 FIM Awards in Liverpool, UK, on 2 December to receive their award.

European Sustainable Development Week is go
The Bol d’Or took place ahead of the start of European Sustainable Development Week (ESDW) from 18 September-8 October. More information is available at this link: https://esdw.eu.