FIA unveils motorsport stars for Smart Driving Challenge

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) has announced the new lineup of ambassadors for its annual Smart Driving Challenge (SDC), designed to promote safer and more sustainable driving practices through an AI-powered app.

Seven racing and rally drivers, including Dania Akeel, Roman Bilinski, Maro Engel, Taylor Gill, Romet Jürgenson, Aliyyah Koloc, and Yifei Ye, have been named ambassadors for the FIA SDC. These figures from the world of motorsport will engage users to encourage participation and promote the benefits of safe and sustainable driving.

The FIA SDC app utilises technology from Swedish risk intelligence firm Greater Than to provide real-time feedback, tips, and AI-generated scoring. This scoring system aims to help drivers enhance their on-road safety and reduce environmental impact. Last year, app users reported a 9% reduction in average fuel or battery usage.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, articulated the initiative's significance: "The FIA stands as the united voice of motor sport and mobility, driven by a commitment to advance innovation. The FIA Smart Driving Challenge represents a crucial step toward fostering a culture of safety and sustainability for all road users. By coming together, we have the power to inspire change, raise awareness, and pave the way for better roads for generations to come."

The initiative, which began in 2019, has seen wide international engagement. The previous year's challenge involved participants from 92 countries, achieving notable reductions in emissions and increased safety awareness. Top performing participants during the event were able to cut their emissions by up to a third and improve their driving safety, reducing crash risks by nearly two-thirds.

Willem Groenewald, FIA Secretary General for Automobile Mobility, highlighted the FIA's role beyond motorsport: "Outside of motor sport, the FIA is a key voice in the mobility space—helping to make every road more safe, sustainable, and inclusive. We believe that every driver can make a difference—whether they're a world championship contender on their way to the track or a commuter heading home. We hope that users download this app, join a team, and help us drive this movement."

The SDC was previously leveraged during the United Nations' annual climate change conferences to promote technological solutions for global emission reductions. This underscores the FIA's commitment to utilising technology to benefit broader societal and environmental concerns.

Johanna Forseke, Chief Business Officer and Deputy CEO of Greater Than, commented on the engagement levels: "It's amazing to have witnessed such strong engagement in the FIA SDC over the years. We're delighted that such well-known motor sport ambassadors have come on board for this seventh season to build on the programme's positive momentum and further inspire safe, sustainable behaviours among drivers around the world."

The FIA's Smart Driving Challenge will commence on 1st April, allowing drivers worldwide to participate regardless of their location or type of vehicle. Participants can compete with drivers globally and access exclusive content from the ambassador of their choice through the app.