Schumacher to head up FIA safety fund

Michael Schumacher has been elected as the head of the FIA's Motor Sport Safety Development Fund, created as a result of the $100 million (USD) fine that McLaren paid for spying last year

The Fund will distribute a number of grants around the world to help young drivers, improve safety skills for officials and help the development of motor sport venues in emerging motor racing nations.

Schumacher will be joined on the Fund board by FIA president Max Mosley, Nick Craw, the president of the Automobile Competition Committee for the United States, Ferrari board member Jean Todt and Mercedes-Benz motorsport boss Norbert Haug.

Speaking about the initiative, Schumacher said: "I'm proud to be able to help with the further development of safety in motor sport across the world. The FIA has achieved a great deal already in its safety activities but the grants available from this new Fund will make a huge contribution to improving motor sport safety, especially in emerging motor sport markets."

FIA president Max Mosley said: "From the outset we had intended that any fine imposed on McLaren-Mercedes would be used for the benefit of the grass roots of motor sport. I'm delighted that this money will be invested in a safer future for our sport."

Mercedes-Benz motorsport boss Norbert Haug added: "The success of our sport at the top level depends on strong foundations at the grass roots. This new Fund will make a huge difference as we invest in improving the training in motor sport across the world."