International motorsport events may have been on hold for the past few months, but there has been no rest for Formula 1 Race Director Michael Masi.

 

Having spent the last few months in Melbourne, the Victorian has been working overtime with the FIA to help with the return of not just the Formula 1 World Championship, but for global motorsport more broadly.

While Masi is best known for his role in Formula 1, he also has a major hand in the single-seater pathway and other operations within the FIA.

Speaking with Greg Rust for Motorsport Australia, Masi revealed just how important the return to racing was for the motorsport community and how much work has gone into it.

 

“Everyone thought that because of COVID-19 and being in lockdown, we would have a quiet year. I could probably say first hand, and a number of people would agree, it’s probably been the busiest time we have ever had,” Masi explained

 

“Between Zoom, Skype, WebEx and Microsoft Teams, I’ve been having nightly meetings until the early morning every day with those in Europe and then catching up on emails during the day, so it’s been really busy but it is what it is.

 

“We’re looking forward to the F1 calendar restarting in Austria. It’s looking likely to be very busy for us and there won’t be much time in one place as we’re going to have a huge back end to the year.

 

“Because we are passionate and we want to see race cars back out on the track, that is what has been the focus over the past few weeks.

 

“All of us involved in this industry in whatever capacity just wants to see motorsport back because we have a passion for the sport. It will be a challenge, but I am really looking forward to it.”

 

Masi also took time during the chat to thank all Motorsport Australia Officials for their efforts at every event.

 

“I would like to say thank you to all our officials and everyone involved in Australian motorsport,” Masi added.

 

“The sport cannot go ahead without them and their dedication, support and everything they do - not in just Australia but around the world.

“Our officials are a critical part of improving our image around the world.”

Watch the full video below.