At the end of the 2022 season, MotoGP™ Legend Franco Uncini will step down from his role as FIM Grand Prix Safety Officer. An incredible advocate for driver safety for nearly four decades, Uncini's impact on the sport cannot be overstated.
Uncini began his track career in the 250 World Championship in 1976, taking his first podiums and victories, and was runner-up the following season. He moved up to the premier class in 1979, reaching the podium as a rookie and winning three more the following year. In 1982, Uncini won the 500 championship with seven podiums, including five victories, writing his name in the sport's history books.
After his retirement from racing, Uncini's role in the paddock became one of defender. As a driver representative, he was vocal in improving safety conditions from the mid-80s. He was then chosen by Grand Prix drivers to represent them as a safety delegate from from 1993.
Since then, Uncini's presence has only grown and the Italian was named FIM Grand Prix Safety Officer in 2013, once again strengthening his impact on the sport. After his tenth season as Safety Officer, he will now step down and leave a legacy that will be difficult to match, having dedicated his career to improving the safety of his fellow riders and MotoGP™ Legends for almost four decades.
The new head of FIM Grand Prix safety was named at a special press conference in Valencia: Bartolomé Alfonso, whose career began as a track marshal at Jarama before moving to a new role in the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship as Timing Coordinator and then Events Director at Dorna Sports. The next chapter saw Alfonso move to the position of General Manager of the Lusail International Circuit in Doha, before being appointed General Manager of MotorLand Aragón in 2008.
In 2018, Alfonso then became Managing Director of Racing Loop, developing circuits and motorsport projects in different parts of the world, working with local promoters and the sanctioning bodies of FIM and FIA. Alfonso has been a member of the FIM Road Racing Commission since 2012.
As he retires, the FIM, IRTA and Dorna Sports would like to thank Franco Uncini for his decades of work and dedication, and wish him the best as he moves away from his direct role in the sport , knowing that his legacy will be lasting and his presence always welcome in the paddock. Thanks, Franco.
Jorge Viegas, president of the FIM: “ I think this is a special announcement for all of us. As you all know, Franco decided, more or less a year ago, to leave his role as head of FIM Grand Prix security, after more or less 30 years. After an incredible racing career, he became the most important person for the safety of his colleagues. It is one of the most important tasks in our world. I tried to convince him not to go! I'm sure that Franco, after a few days or weeks, will wonder why he decided that! But he has a family who will benefit from his presence at home. I want to say that Franco is always welcome in MotoGP during races.
We thought carefully, with Dorna, to find someone who would be able to take on this enormous responsibility with us. We thought a lot about who could accomplish this task as Franco did. Tomé has been working on circuit design and circuit safety for a long time, and from now on he will only work for the FIM. He will do his best to make all circuits as safe as possible. »
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports: “ Franco doesn't know it, but he was so important to the development of the Championship. He was the first to accompany me as a MotoGP fan, and I remember when he was World Champion, then later when I had the chance to join Dorna, one of the greatest experiences I What I experienced is the personal bond with Franco, and from the beginning our personal friendship. As the president said, he decided he needed more time with his family, but as I told him the other day, he has two families. And he must not forget this family! I hope he stays close to us. His experience is very important. His relationship with Tome has been very important in the past, and it will remain so in the future. The only thing I can say to Franco and his family is thank you for all the efforts he has made over the years. Everything happened very quickly! When I see pictures of us at the start of our world championship it seems close, but in reality it's been 31 seasons. We have worked closely with him throughout this time, he started as a driver rep, and his experience has been truly fantastic. The only thing I can say again is, thank you very much. »
Franco Uncini : " I'm here to announce my retirement and I have a long list of people to thank. Carmelo Ezpeleta is definitely the first, he's our boss! And a fantastic person. Mike Trimby, and IRTA President Hervé Poncharal, and former presidents. FIM President Jorge Viegas and his predecessors. Then, the MotoGP safety commission. Carlos Ezpeleta! And Loris Capirossi, with whom I spent the last ten years! Thanks to, not all but almost, the circuits I worked on. All the people from IRTA, Dorna and FIM. I'm going to stop here, otherwise it would take hours. I love it and I love this sport. He has been the center of my life forever. Thanks to the FIM, IRTA, Dorna and the safety commission, we have done an extraordinary job for safety. I had many sleepless nights, but I am happy and satisfied with what we have accomplished. I have been doing this work for 30 years, 20 with the IRTA and 10 with the FIM. I am a grandfather of two children, I have two daughters, and my wife who has been by my side since 1981 and who still supports me! Thank you, and thank you to my daughters. I need to slow down and give way to the young people. I feel that Tomé can continue this excellent work, and as the President said, Tomé was also my choice. This is the person who I believe can continue this work. Thank you very much to all. »
Tome Alfonso : " I don't think anyone else has done what Franco has done for safety, and if we look at it from a circuit perspective, this work has not only helped MotoGP but all circuits for 365 days per year. I want to thank him for everything, and I will do my best to continue his incredible work. »
