The Automobile et Touring Club du Liban (ATCL), with support from the FIA Sport programme, has held its third training course for young drivers as part of its ongoing effort to develop racing talent.
The programme was supervised by British Formula 1 driver coach Simon Fitchett, ATCL board member and FIA MENA general coordinator Imad Lahoud, Lebanese driver Khalil Bechir and several FIA-accredited coaches, in the presence of Catherine Robson, the FIA’s head of education and grants management.
The ATCL has been licensed by the FIA as a Regional Training Provider (RTP) for drivers, adding to its existing role as a regional trainer for motorsport officials, after a strict evaluation process.
The two-day event involved 35 young men and women of different ages in four groups. Day one at the Pit Stop circuit in Zouk Mosbeh included on-track competition, simulator sessions, mental tests on software used by Formula 1 drivers, and lessons on career development and social media. On day two at the RPM circuit in Mtein, drivers were assessed on their fitness progress since the previous course and on road safety, as well as competing on track. The winners, who will receive valuable prizes to support their careers with FIA backing, will be announced in the coming days.
I am very happy with the progress I have seen in these young people over the past two years. Their number grows each time, which is positive, and I want to urge everyone to keep working tirelessly to be even better prepared for the next stage.
Catherine Robson
Once again I would like to thank the FIA for renewing its confidence in these young talents. We are proud that in a short time we have earned the FIA’s trust and, with this programme and its elite coaches, ranked first in the world, level with Germany. This is just the beginning!
Imad Lahoud
We see the number of participants in these training programmes grow each time and we are proud of that. This time we decided to involve younger age groups and we will work to build on the future of these young drivers.
Khalil Bechir
Participation certificates were handed out to the drivers at the end.