Early morning press room visits and late night steak and beers just wouldn’t have been as much fun without him at the recent ISDE… We’re gonna miss you Christian.

The following is a statement from FIM CEO Stephane DESPREZ…

‘There are moments when the duties of a Chief Executive Director are difficult to cope with, and today is one of those moments. It is indeed with great sadness that I have to inform you that the FIM team has lost one of its members.

‘Christian Mercier, Cross-Country Rallies and Enduro Commissions Coordinator, passed away last night following a car accident. Christian had been with the FIM since 2001, and during all those 11 years, everyone around him recognised his passion, his professionalism and also his capacity for joy and good humour.

‘He was a pillar of "his" commissions and of the FIM team and he will be remembered as an ambassador for his disciplines and as a passionate advocate for motorcycling.

‘In these tragic circumstances we extend our thoughts and deepest friendship to his family, his relatives and many friends.’

Stephane DESPREZ

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER