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WRC celebrates volunteers

WRC teams, drivers and officials came together at Vodafone Rally de Portugal to recognise the importance of volunteers to the championship as part of the FIA volunteers weekend.

FIA safety delegate Michèle Mouton and rally director Yves Matton were at the forefront of the campaign as they met with marshals who gave up their own time to make sure the event could be run safely during all four days.

A number of WRC star drivers also paid tribute to helpers' work in special video messages, recounting first-hand experience of their assistance following accidents.

Unpaid workers themselves also went in front of the camera as they were interviewed on stage for WRC+ All Live - encouraging more people to take part in world-class events.

At the end of the rally, a selection of marshals were invited onto the podium to be photographed alongside top three finishers Thierry Neuville, Elfyn Evans and Teemu Suninen.

"Volunteers are the unsung heroes of motorsport. Without them, quite simply, we would not be able to go racing," said FIA president, Jean Todt.

"It is important for the FIA to recognise their vital contribution, and the occasion of the Volunteers Weekend shines the spotlight on their hard work and dedication to ensuring the safety and success of events the world over."

To find out more about getting involved in motorsport, details of each country's national motorsport association can be found here.

Zdroj: wrc.com