International Automobile Federation (FIA)

From Virgin Atlantic flights to intergalactic travel, Virgin Racing’s Formula E team principal Alex Tai knows about life in the fast lane.

Experts in commercial landscape of Formula One met at SportBusiness International headquarters last month to debate the real extent to which stakeholders in the sport are achieving ROI. Will Formula E be competitive to Formula One? Is the sponsorship proposition as attractive to brands as it has been in the past? And who should replace Bernie Ecclestone when he leaves the sport? All of this, and more, was discussed in depth.

The FIA, motorsport’s global governing body, has announced that the new Sochi Autodrom in Russia is ready to host its first Formula One grand prix race in October.

Rob Ridley speaks to Gérard Neveu, head of motor racing’s WEC (World Endurance Championship), about growth for the series after it was sanctioned for another three years in June.

The FIA, motorsport’s global governing body, has unveiled a partnership with Legends Polyphony Digital, the video gaming company that created the hugely-popular Gran Turismo series.

World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) promoter Eurosport Events has announced that the motor-racing series will race on Germany’s legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit in 2015 as part of a new three-year deal.

Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO), the creator and organiser of the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance motor-racing event, has extended a deal with the FIA, motorsport’s global governing body, to stage the FIA World Endurance Championship.

Reigning World Rally Championship (WRC) title-holder Volkswagen has made a long-term commitment to the motor-racing series by stating that it will continue to compete for the next five years.

The International Motorsport Federation (FIA) and race promoters have maintained that Formula One’s inaugural Russian Grand Prix remains on course for its October debut in Sochi, despite ongoing concerns about the crisis in Ukraine.

Increasing payments to the sport’s 11 teams, plus a new agreement with the International Motorsport Federation (FIA), resulted in the profits of the Formula One motor racing series falling by $137m (€99.3m) to $286m on an underlying basis in 2013.

Nascar team owner Gene Haas has said he is yet to decide whether to launch his new Formula One motor racing outfit in 2015 or 2016, but said he plans to “beat the Europeans at their own game”.

The International Motorsport Federation (FIA) has accepted the proposal of a new Formula One entry by Nascar team owner Gene Haas, adding that it is also considering another bid from the Forza Rossa organisation.

International Motorsport Federation (FIA) president Jean Todt has stated plans to introduce a cost cap system into Formula One next season have been abandoned, while the motor racing series’ chief executive Bernie Ecclestone has said F1 has agreed to admit two new teams.

Formula One chief executive Bernie Ecclestone has said a new US-based team could join the motor-racing series for the 2015 or 2016 season.

Motor racing series the World Endurance Championship (WEC) has appointed the Craig Company as its permanent representative in the North American territories.

The Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) celebrates its Formula One 10-year hosting anniversary in April by switching to a night race. Elisha Chauhan finds out the rationale and commercial implications.