The International Automobile Federation (FIA) has awarded a prestigious accolade to Rally Hungary, the Hungarian European Rally Championship event, for its achievements in the field of sustainability and environmental protection.
Just as in global sport, so too in motor sport, environmental protection, environmental awareness and sustainability are becoming increasingly important, as demonstrated by the International Automobile Federation’s (FIA) environmental accreditation programme, established in 2011. The aim of the programme is to help participants in the motorsport and mobility sector worldwide to measure and improve their environmental performance by enabling them to accredit their activities in a three-step system to implement clear and consistent environmental management.
Starting in 2023, the Hungarian round of the European Rally Championship, Rally Hungary, has set itself the goal of improving the environmental performance of the event, which has been so successful that in 2024 it became the first Hungarian event to receive a two-star rating from the FIA (three stars is the maximum).
In order to achieve this unparalleled result, Rally Hungary has identified three key tasks: raising environmental awareness, measuring environmental and social impacts, and developing an effective cycle model. Starting from the 2023 event, it has introduced a number of measures and rules to protect the environment and nature, such as selective waste collection. Other key aspects, involving and mobilising partners, have been the promotion of public transport; energy saving; the protection of rivers, lakes and lakes, and vulnerable areas; the elimination of discrimination; and the enforcement of health and safety requirements. The Hungarian National Motorsport Association (MNASZ) proved to be a great partner in the latter, providing viewers with a range of safety-related information.
For Rally Hungary, however, this is just the beginning, as the aim is to achieve a three-star rating, which it will do its utmost to achieve in the future. By measuring the environmental impact, including water, soil, air and noise pollution, as well as the organisation’s carbon emissions and waste generation, Rally Hungary has set 3-5 year targets to reduce pollution and emissions, with further improvements planned.
Zoltán Szujó, President of the Hungarian National Motor Sport Association:
“I heartily congratulate the first FIA event in Hungary to receive the two-star environmental rating. It is extremely important that motor sport also plays its part in our fight for sustainability. The International Automobile Federation not only certifies events but also its member organisations, so I am pleased to report that MNASZ has also started the process of getting an environmental certification from the international association, and some sustainability measures have already been implemented with immediate effect.”
Balázs Weingartner, Chairman of the Board of Directors of HUMDA Hungarian Mobility Development Agency Zrt., a member of the Széchenyi University Group:
“For HUMDA, motor sport and environmental protection are priority areas together. Our work for the Hungarian rally is complemented by our achievements in the field of green mobility. Our children’s future is not only in transport, but we have to do something in all areas of life, including event management. The FIA’s two-star environmental rating is an encouraging confirmation of the complex work we are doing. We have worked hard in recent years to ensure that domestic rallying is given the recognition it deserves at home and internationally. This recognition is excellent proof that we are on the right track and that we may be able to attract new fans.”