Other meanings of Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme
Motorcycle Sport
The Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) is the international governing body for motorcycle sport, recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and headquartered in Mies, Switzerland. Founded in 1904 as the Fédération Internationale des Clubs Motocyclistes, it oversees a wide range of disciplines, from road racing and motocross to trials and enduro. The FIM also promotes road safety, environmental sustainability, and the development of electric motorcycle racing, positioning itself as a key player in global motorsport governance.
The FIM traces its origins to the Fédération Internationale des Clubs Motocyclistes, founded in Paris in 1904, making it one of the oldest international sports federations. It reorganized under its current name in 1949, the same year it launched the first Motorcycle Grand Prix World Championship. The FIM is composed of over 120 national federations, grouped into six continental unions (Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, North America, and Oceania). Its governance includes a General Assembly, a Management Council, and specialized commissions for each discipline. The FIM gained IOC recognition in 1969, and its president, currently Jorge Viegas (since 2019), leads the organization from its headquarters in Mies, Switzerland.1
The FIM sanctions over 70 world championships and prizes across diverse disciplines, including road racing (MotoGP, World Superbike), motocross, trials, enduro, speedway, and ice racing.2 It also governs emerging categories such as electric motorcycle racing (MotoE) and e-bike competitions. The FIM's flagship series, MotoGP, attracts global audiences and features cutting-edge technology, while off-road disciplines like motocross and enduro emphasize rider skill and endurance. Additionally, the FIM oversees non-competitive activities like record attempts and the FIM Awards, which celebrate champions across all categories.3
Beyond competition, the FIM is a leader in motorcycle safety and environmental stewardship. It runs the FIM Road Safety Campaign, which promotes rider training and protective gear, and collaborates with the United Nations on global road safety initiatives. The FIM also champions sustainability through its Environmental Code, which mandates eco-friendly practices at events, and supports the development of electric vehicles. As an IOC-recognized federation, it upholds the Olympic values of fair play and anti-doping, working with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to ensure clean sport.
The FIM's history includes several obscure but notable facts. It was the first international federation to ban alcohol advertising in its championships (in 1991), a move that predated similar bans in other sports. The FIM also sanctions the Sidecar World Championship, a niche discipline where a passenger balances on the bike, and the FIM Long Track World Championship, which features high-speed racing on oval dirt tracks. In 2021, it introduced the FIM E-Xplorer World Championship, an all-electric off-road series, reflecting its commitment to innovation. The FIM's headquarters in Mies, Switzerland, also houses the FIM Museum, which preserves the history of motorcycle sport.1
The FIM is the sole authority for international motorcycle sport, recognized by the IOC and committed to safety, sustainability, and innovation.
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