The FIA will use the 6 Hours of São Paulo to promote road safety beyond the boundaries of the Autódromo José Carlos Pace.
During the Brazilian round of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), the governing body will highlight companies that have gained certification through the FIA Road Safety Index, as reported by Motorsport.com. The international programme assesses how effectively businesses manage road safety across their corporate, transport and logistics operations.
The initiative connects the FIA’s work in motorsport with its wider efforts to reduce road accidents. It also gives companies a framework through which they can examine their current practices, identify weaknesses and strengthen their approach to protecting drivers and other road users.
FIA Road Safety Index examines corporate practices
The FIA Road Safety Index evaluates several areas that influence safety within transport and logistics operations.
These include the management of transport carriers, driver safety requirements, training programmes, alcohol and drug controls, journey monitoring and the use of safety equipment. The programme also examines the processes that organisations use to prevent accidents and respond to risks.
Companies begin the certification process by carrying out a self-assessment and supplying evidence of their policies and practices. An independent FIA audit then reviews that information and determines the organisation’s final rating.
The FIA awards ratings according to the maturity of each company’s road safety management system. Therefore, the process considers not only whether an organisation has written policies, but also how consistently it applies and monitors them.
ArcelorMittal achieves highest three-star rating
ArcelorMittal stands among the organisations that the FIA will recognise during the São Paulo event.
The global steel producer achieved the highest three-star rating after an independent audit examined its facility in Santa Catarina, Brazil. The certification recognises the company’s approach to driver management, risk reduction and accident prevention.
ArcelorMittal also contributes to safety within Brazilian motorsport. The company produces the safety cage that Stock Car teams use to protect drivers during accidents.
That connection strengthens the significance of the FIA’s recognition. While the safety cage supports competitors on the circuit, the company’s certified management practices aim to protect employees and road users throughout its wider operations.
Certification connects motorsport with everyday safety
Luanda Dantas Guerra, President of the Brazilian Automobile Association, believes the certification demonstrates how motorsport knowledge can support broader social progress.
The FIA has long used lessons from competition to improve road-car technology, safety equipment and mobility standards. Through the Road Safety Index, the organisation now applies that experience to corporate and logistics systems.
Guerra also described ArcelorMittal’s certification as an important milestone for road safety management in Brazil.
“The FIA has a long history of transforming innovation and knowledge generated on the race track into advances that improve people’s safety. Seeing a company such as ArcelorMittal receive the highest rating in the FIA Road Safety Index during one of the world’s premier motorsport events reinforces this connection. As the first organisation in Brazil to be certified, ArcelorMittal sets an important benchmark and helps pave the way for other companies to advance this agenda as well.”
By becoming the first certified organisation in the country, ArcelorMittal could encourage other Brazilian businesses to assess their transport practices against the FIA’s international framework.
ArcelorMittal reinforces culture of prevention
ArcelorMittal’s three-star rating also reflects the company’s broader focus on risk management and accident prevention.
Industrial operations and transport networks can expose employees, contractors and surrounding communities to several safety risks. Consequently, organisations must combine clear policies with effective training, monitoring and enforcement.
Marcia Spelta, ArcelorMittal’s General Manager of Health and Safety, said the FIA certification supports the company’s approach to protecting people.
“This certification demonstrates that our approach to managing risks and promoting prevention is aligned with the highest international standards and reinforces our ongoing commitment to protecting people.”
The independent audit gives the company external confirmation that its systems meet the FIA’s highest recognised level. However, the certification also provides a benchmark that ArcelorMittal can use as it continues to develop its practices.
São Paulo event gives initiative a global platform
The FIA WEC’s visit to São Paulo gives the Road Safety Index significant international exposure.
The championship brings manufacturers, teams, drivers, commercial partners and spectators together at one of Brazil’s most recognisable motorsport venues. Therefore, the event offers the FIA an opportunity to present road safety as an issue that affects both racing organisations and everyday businesses.
The programme also reinforces the relationship between motorsport and mobility. Race teams constantly analyse data, manage risk, train personnel and refine procedures to protect drivers and officials. Companies can apply similar principles to commercial fleets and logistics operations.
However, the Road Safety Index does not reward organisations solely for making commitments. It requires them to provide evidence and complete an independent audit before receiving a rating.
FIA expands road safety programme internationally
The FIA has introduced the Road Safety Index in several countries as it encourages organisations to evaluate and improve their management systems.
Through the programme, companies can compare their practices with an international framework and identify areas that require further development. The audit process also allows the FIA to distinguish between basic compliance and more mature safety systems.
By highlighting certified companies at the 6 Hours of São Paulo, the FIA will take the road safety conversation beyond the competition itself.
The championship may place speed and performance at the centre of the weekend, but the Road Safety Index will demonstrate how the knowledge, discipline and innovation associated with motorsport can also help protect people during everyday journeys.
