Jesica Salvini put her studies and experience to work at the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship Season 10 finale.

The first ever FIA Motorsport Engineering Scholarship recipient Jesica Salvini attended the London E-Prix (20-21 July) with the FIA’s technical team, enabling her to be fully immersed in a major world championship event.

Designed to promote diversity and inclusion in the sport, the FIA Motorsport Engineering Scholarship is a unique initiative that supports one aspiring engineer to study towards a Master’s qualification (MSc) in Advanced Motorsport Engineering at Cranfield University in the UK.

Already a trailblazer as the first female track engineer in her native Argentina – where she earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering – Salvini was awarded the inaugural FIA scholarship in 2022, dovetailing her studies alongside a race engineer role in the stock car-based Turismo Carretera, the world’s longest-running active motor racing series.

She is due to complete her thesis and graduate from Cranfield – a globally-recognised postgraduate university that has conducted research, consultancy and testing for the motor sport industry over the past five decades – this autumn.

In the meantime, Salvini joined the FIA’s technical team on-site at the London E-Prix – the 2023/24 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship season finale and title-decider – where she also got the opportunity to share her knowledge and experience with members of FIA Girls on Track, a pioneering programme that seeks to inspire future generations of women in motor sport.

“What an incredible experience,” commented Jesica Salvini. “I had the chance to learn from the FIA’s Technical Team and I’d like to thank each of its members for their warm welcome and kindness. I’m proud to be the first ever FIA Motorsport Engineering Scholarship winner and grateful to the FIA for giving me such an opportunity.”

“We were delighted to welcome Jesica to the London E-Prix,” added FIA Chief Technical and Safety Officer, Xavier Mestelan-Pinon. “With her passion for the sport, her work ethic, her infectious enthusiasm and her drive to succeed, she has been an exceptional ambassador for the FIA Motorsport Engineering Scholarship.”

• The FIA will welcome Sanya Jain from India to the FIA Motorsport Engineering Scholarship  
• Sanya is the third scholar to join the programme since it was launched in 2023 
• She will receive full funding for a Motorsport Engineering masters at Cranfield University, the world-leading institution for motorsport education and research   

The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, is delighted to announce its 2025 Motorsport Engineering Scholar, Sanya Jain. 

As scholarship winner, Sanya will study a fully-funded MSc in Advanced Motorsports Engineering at Cranfield University. This follows an undergraduate degree in Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Waterloo in Canada, where she was an Academic Representative for Class of 2025 and on Dean’s Honors List. 

H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA said: “The FIA is committed to building a more inclusive future for motorsport and initiatives like the Motorsport Engineering Scholarship allow us to support exceptional young scholars from around the world to unlock the innovative thinking our sport needs to thrive. 

I’m delighted to congratulate Sanya on this achievement and look forward to following her journey at Cranfield University.” 

Sanya Jain, FIA Motorsport Engineering Scholar, said: “This scholarship represents another step in a lifelong dream to work in motorsport engineering. I am honoured to have received the recognition and support of the FIA panel, and to have the opportunity to study at one of the world’s leading specialist motorsport universities. I’m excited to join my classmates at Cranfield in September.” 

The FIA Motorsport Engineering Scholarship is one of the industry’s biggest funded educational opportunities. Launched in 2022 by H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, in partnership with Cranfield University, the scholarship aims to help remove barriers to education for talented youth. It particularly welcomes young engineers from different parts of the world to apply and pursue a career in motorsport.  

With access to a bursary for living costs and full tuition funding, scholarship recipients gain the opportunity to study stress-free at one of the world’s leading universities specialised specialists in motorsport education. Cranfield University has a track record in sending graduates often go on to succeed aton to top racing teams and manufacturers,, with support from leading motorsport professionals working and training at the university.  

Cranfield University is one of the leading universities in the motorsport space – ranking in the global top 35 for mechanical and aeronautical engineering. It has carried out extensive research, consultancy, and testing for the motorsport sector since the 1970s. The university is also home to the FIA-approved Cranfield Impact Centre and AXSIM Racing, both widely used by the world’s on- and off- road racing teams. 

Professor David Hassan at FIA University, said: “Congratulations to Sanya on this prestigious achievement. The panel was really impressed by Sanya’s academic strength, resilience, and embodiment of FIA values. We look forward to seeing her progress her academic studies and career during her scholarship at Cranfield University.” 

James Brighton, Professor of Automotive Engineering at Cranfield University, said: “We’re thrilled to be welcoming Sanya to Cranfield and look forward to supporting her on the next step of her career journey. The scholarship really is an amazing opportunity to bring remarkable young engineers closer to their motor sport dreams.” 

Sanya is the FIA’s third Motorsport Engineering Scholar. Previous scholars include Argentinean Jesica Salvini and Yasir Muhammad from Pakistan. 

The FIA carries out extensive educational and research work, as part of its ongoing commitment to being a research-led federation. This year the FIA has published an online abuse barometer, and new research into EV incentives. 

About the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile 

The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It is a non-profit organisation committed to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability and equality across motor sport and mobility. 

Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 245 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including seven FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all. 

The FIA has launched a groundbreaking education programme as part of its ongoing commitment to combat online abuse in sport, the first sporting governing body to introduce such a resource. The interactive programme builds digital resilience within sporting organisations, offering competitors and officials critical insights into the triggers, targets, and various forms of online abuse, as well as the impact on individuals and society, and the legal frameworks available to combat it.

Launched in partnership with the FIA’s United Against Online Abuse (UAOA) campaign, the module will be distributed to FIA Member Clubs worldwide. The course provides interactive and engaging content designed to support learning and professional development as well as the tools and skills needed to combat online abuse. Upon completion, participants will receive an official certificate from FIA University, recognising their achievement.

H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA and UAOA Founder said :

“The launch of this education module marks a significant milestone for the FIA, UAOA, and FIA University in our mission to promote continuous learning and professional development across FIA Member Clubs. I’m proud to lead the first sporting governing body to launch such an important resource.

“Through United Against Online Abuse, the FIA and the motorsport community is taking the lead in tackling online abuse across the sporting world and this initiative is a crucial resource to educate individuals on the risks of digital harassment and how they can enhance their online safety and resilience. I strongly encourage all FIA member clubs to complete this course and be part of the fight against online abuse.”

Recent findings from the United Against Online Abuse 2025 Barometer revealed that 89% of sporting federations believe sports governing bodies face increasing pressure to protect athletes from online abuse. This FIA UAOA Online Learning Module demonstrates the FIA’s leading work to promote education and action, empowering motorsport clubs with the knowledge to recognise, report, and respond to digital harassment effectively.

Clubs can now access the module through the FIAU E-Learning platform and enrol at their convenience. By offering a comprehensive understanding of online abuse, including its definitions, legal implications and key challenges, this module sets a new standard in digital safety education which the FIA is proud to be leading.

About United Against Online Abuse (UAOA)

H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA and supported by the FIA Foundation, UAOA unites sports federations, national governments, regulatory bodies, and technology platforms to drive regulatory and behavioural change in the fight against online harassment. Since its launch in 2023, the coalition has published groundbreaking research, spearheaded international campaigns, and brought together key stakeholders to promote safer and more inclusive digital spaces.

To date, UAOA has received endorsements from the Governments of Greece, France, Slovenia, Albania, Australia, Kenya, Costa Rica, Namibia, and Rwanda, alongside leading sports federations and organisations, including FIM, the International Esports Federation, ASETEK SimSports, Peace and Sport Monaco, UNESCO, the Council of Europe, Clark Hill LLP, Arwen.AI, and DCU University. The FIA was also awarded Peace and Sport’s Coalition for Peace Award in 2024, presented to H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA by Prince Albert II of Monaco in recognition of UAOA’s work building a united front against online abuse.

The modules, introduced by the FIA University, will provide further training and experience to medical staff, drivers and volunteers across motorsport

The safety and wellbeing of all motorsport participants is the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile’s (FIA) first priority, and as a knowledge-led federation the FIA continues to provide educational opportunities for the sporting community.

Building on the expansive offering available via the FIA University, the FIA has launched five new Motorsport Medicine eLearning Modules to provide educational support and help grow the medical knowledge of staff, volunteers and drivers across the global motorsport network.

Each module is tailored to different specialties, offering comprehensive guidance on best practices before, during, and after events.

The five modules have been developed by the FIA University in collaboration with the FIA Medical Commission and with the support of the FIA Foundation.

1. The Driver’s Handbook: As athletes, racing drivers must maintain peak physical and mental condition. This module focuses on fitness, medical checks, event preparation, and accident preparation to allowing drivers to perform necessary medical checks, follow event processes, and manage challenging situations effectively.
2. Understanding Concussion: Concussion education is key in keeping motorsport as safe as possible. This module educates drivers, medical staff, and teams on recognizing concussion symptoms, implementing correct response protocols, and managing safe returns to competition.
3. Duties of the Healthcare Professional: This module is designed to brief clinical staff of all levels, on how to operate safely within a motorsport environment. Covering pre-event preparation, in-event responsibilities, and post-event procedures, participants will gain knowledge on best practices in motorsport medical care.
4. Duties of the Chief Medical Officer: Aimed at current, deputy and aspiring Chief Medical Officers, this module provides a framework for leading medical operations at motorsport events. It includes key responsibilities, preparation processes, event-day medical leadership, and post-event duties to ensure effective medical management.
5. Principles of Pre-Hospital Care: This module is aimed at those new to the concept of pre-hospital care and at those already practicing in the field. Covering trauma kinematics, on-scene assessment, and emergency management, it equips participants with the skills needed to follow the correct procedures when handling specific motorsport medical scenes at the pre-hospital stage.

Each of these modules takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes to complete and is available via the FIA University website.

By completing these courses, participants will be better equipped to handle medical situations in motorsport and contribute to a safer racing environment.

H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, commented on the new modules saying: “As a Federation we are committed to providing the safest sporting environment possible, ensuring all staff and volunteers have access to the most up to date medical training available.

By expanding our educational resources, we are strengthening the global motorsport medical network, equipping professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to enhance safety both on and off the track.”

Dr. Sean Petherbridge, FIA Medical Commission President and FIA Medical Affairs Manager, said: “I fully support the FIA President’s vision of increasing accessibility and participation in motorsport while maintaining the highest safety standards. As our sport grows, so does the need for highly trained medical personnel, and these modules are an important step in supporting their development.

The modules provide essential knowledge for medical professionals at all levels, from newcomers to experienced Chief Medical Officers. Additionally, drivers will benefit from the Driver’s Handbook, which offers key insights into their own medical preparedness and how they can work effectively with medical teams at events.”

All five modules are now live and available on the FIA University eLearning platform for existing users: https://elearning.fia.com/learn/signin

New users can register for an account and enter FL044-MEDI into the Branch Code field to gain access.

For more information contact elearning@fia.com

• Applications have opened for the second ever FIA Motorsport Engineering Scholarship at Cranfield University
• The scholarship aims to promote diversity and inclusion in motor sport
• Current scholar, Argentinean student Jesica Salvini, work as a race engineer at Abdala Racing alongside her studies

The global motor sport governing body, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, has opened applications for the FIA Motorsport Engineering Scholarship at Cranfield University.

Now in its second year, the scholarship supports one aspiring engineer to obtain a Master’s in Advanced Motorsport Engineering at Cranfield. Scholars receive fully funded tuition and living expenses.

The scholarship is designed to promote inclusion in sport, and welcomes applications from students of all backgrounds.

Jesica Salvini received the first FIA Motorsport Engineering Scholarship in 2022, and works as a  race engineer at Abdala Racing alongside her studies. She said: “The FIA Motorsport Engineering Scholarship has completely transformed my career. Studying alongside established motorsport professionals has helped me build connections, learn more about the business side of motorsport, and apply my academic learnings to the real world.”

Cranfield University is a globally recognised postgraduate university, which has undertaken research, consultancy, and testing for the motorsport sector since the 1970s.  The university is also home to the FIA-approved Cranfield Impact Centre and AXSIM Racing, both widely used by the world’s on- and off- road racing teams.

H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA said: “Fostering diversity, inclusion, and accessibility within motor sport is both a goal and a commitment. With this engineering scholarship, the FIA continues to pave the way for a future where talent is recognized and nurtured, regardless of candidates’ backgrounds.”

Professor of Automotive Engineering at Cranfield University, James Brighton said: “We are delighted to be opening the FIA scholarship for a second year. As there is fierce competition for roles within motorsport, and some barriers to entry, scholarships such as this are integral to opening up this industry to talented people from all backgrounds. Through our close links to industry, teaching excellence and the passion of the successful student, we will build the skills and network they need to excel in motorsport.”

Applications for the scholarship will close on 1st April 2024.

Brochure available in Spanish here.

The Global Observatory for Gender Equality & Sport publishes policy briefs on various topics related to gender and inequalities in the context of physical education, physical activity, and sport. The Policy Brief Series aims to provide concise research analysis and research-based recommendations to policy actors across government and sport governance bodies. Each Policy Brief is reviewed by at least two expert reviewers who are external to the Global Observatory and edited by the Global Observatory.  

Online Gender-Based Violence against Women and Girls in Sport

Abstract: Online gender-based violence (GBV) can include sexually explicit language, unpleasant remarks or social criticism connected to gender, gendered-microaggressions, sexual allusions, exaggerated rape and murder threats, and stalking. Violent interactions may be text or image-based and can target individuals directly and/or those closest to them.

Online GBV in sport curtails the rights of women and girls, impacts on their liberty, and poses a significant threat to their health, safety and wellbeing. The aim of this policy briefing is to share research perspectives on online gender-based violence against women and girls in sport and to make recommendations for global sporting organizations, online platforms, and governments who have a moral obligation to foster safer online communities.

Authors: Emma J. Kavanagh¹, Chelsea Litchfield², Jaquelyn Osborne², Keith D. Parry¹
¹Department of Sport and Event Management, Bournemouth University, Poole, UK
²School of Allied Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, Australia

Citation: Kavanagh, E.J., Litchfield, C., Osborne, J., and Parry, K.D. (2024). Online Gender-Based Violence Against Women and Girls In Sport. Gender and PEPAS Policy Brief Series. 1(1) Global Observatory for Gender Equality & Sport: Lausanne

The Fans’ Vision for the Future of Rallying

The FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) community has spoken. With over 11,000 responses, our latest survey reveals the undiminished passion for rally sport, emphasizing the appeal of its diverse conditions and authentic experiences. Fans are calling for the preservation of this variety, with a keen interest in endurance rallies and sustainable practices, while reflecting on the golden era of WRC as a blueprint for future excitement.

This report, guided by Professor David Hassan and enriched by insights from dedicated focus groups, not only charts the current state of fan engagement but also outlines a path forward for the WRC. Embracing nostalgia and innovation alike, it aims to ensure the Championship’s vibrant future and continued resonance with fans around the globe.

Join us as we delve into the heart of rally sport, guided by the voices of its most ardent supporters.

Embark on an engineering adventure with our International Engineering Scholarship.

Designed for aspiring global engineers, this program is your gateway to a future of innovation in motorsport leadership and management. This scholarship is a stepping stone to a world of innovation, leadership, and excellence in motorsport engineering.

Discover Our Education Programmes

Our scholarship aligns with FIA University’s commitment to providing advanced education in motorsport leadership and management. Immerse yourself in a learning environment that prepares you for the challenges of modern sports governance.

Engage with Our Research Initiatives

The scholarship also provides a chance to contribute to cutting-edge research that pushes the boundaries of motorsport engineering. We encourage our scholars to participate in doctoral and postdoctoral opportunities, fostering an environment where innovation thrives. Explore these opportunities in our Research section.

Become Part of Our Community

Joining our scholarship program means becoming part of a global community united against online abuse and advocating for positive change in the digital space. Find out more about our community values and initiatives at United Against Online Abuse.

Prepare for a Future in Motorsport Leadership

As a recipient of the Engineering Scholarship for International Students, you will be prepared to take on leadership roles within the dynamic field of motorsport. Our dedicated programs offer insights into the industry’s business side and the technological innovations driving it forward. Dive into our specialised content under Articles.

The 2024 Barometer Report, a landmark initiative by FIA University and funded by the FIA Foundation under the United Against Online Abuse campaign, unveils the pressing issue of online abuse in sports. Drawing from international federations’ insights, it highlights the critical need for united efforts to combat this digital menace, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between sporting bodies and online platforms. This report is a vital step towards a safer sporting environment online.

For more details, please read the article on FIA’s website here.

The FIA University is a central part of our ambition to make the FIA a knowledge-led federation. It’s inaugural graduation ceremony in Baku this month demonstrated its success with 57 graduates being recognised for their achievements. Many congratulations, too, to their clubs who should also be particularly proud of their achievements. 

Dynamic Leadership

Led by Carmelo Sanz De Barros, Robert Reid, and Professor David Hassan, the ceremony highlighted the importance of visionary leadership in motorsport.

Educational Excellence

FIA University’s programs prepare students for impactful careers in Modern Sport Governance and Motorsport Leadership and Management, fostering industry leaders.