FISA, the International Motor Sports Federation, has been abolished after a dramatic organisational shake-up. The federation, best known for controlling the formula one world championship, was unanimously voted out of existence by FIA'S general assembly at a meeting in Paris. As part of the structural reforms proposed, international motor sport will in future be governed by a World Motor Sports council. FISA's former president Max Mosley is now at the helm of FIA.

11.06 - 13.06.93

Canadian Grand Prix

15.06.93

Former Formula One world champion James Hunt has died at his home in Wimbledon after a heart attack. Hunt, 45, won ten of his 92 Grand Prix races during a seven-year F1 career and took the world title in a McLaren in 1976. He first drove in F1 with March but made his name with the short-lived British Hesketh team before his successful move to McLaren. Hunt stayed on the Grand Prix scene as a commentator for the BBC after his retirement in 1979.
The death of James Hunt has left the British motor racing scene in a state of shock. The stockbroker's son was cross country and rackets champion at his public school but he wanted to be a racing driver from an early age. He took various odd jobs including hospital porter and ice-cream salesman on leaving school to pay for instruction at Brands Hatch. Hunt began racing in a home-built Mini in 1967 and just nine years later became Formula One champion.
James Hunt became a national hero after capturing the world title in thrilling style in 1976. He took over the position of team leader at McLaren Ford that year and came from 35 points down to pip Niki Lauda by one point. Lauda had been injured in an horrific crash, but it was still a fantastic achievement by Hunt, who began racing nine years earlier. He had six of his 10 Grand Prix wins that year and etched himself a place in motor racing history.
Nigel Mansell led the tributes following the news of James Hunt's fatal heart attack. "The sad sad news of the loss of James Hunt has come as a terrible shock to me," said Mansell, the only Briton to win the world title since Hunt's 1976 triumph. "He was a fantastic character and he will be a great loss to the world of motorsport," he added. Lord Hesketh, head of one of Hunt's old teams, said he was "absolutely shattered and devastated."
Ceefax correspondent John Watson said the death of former GP rival James Hunt was a "total shock." The pair first competed against each other in Formula Two in 1973 before enjoying several exciting Grand Prix battles from 1974-9. "He was very good Grand Prix driver and extremely competitive," he said. "But James was not just a fast driver, he was an intelligent and bright individual and those qualities are as important in motor racing as in other areas of life."
BBC commentator Murray Walker said the untimely death of his TV partner James Hunt had left a huge hole in his life. Walker said: "James was rare among top sportsmen in that he was extremely good at talking with dignity, authority and expertise about his chosen sport." He went on: "It was a pleasure and a privilege to share a microphone with James. I feel that a huge hole has now opened up in my life. I shall miss him enormously.".

20.06.93

Formula One teams have been ordered to keep the noise down during testing at the Enzo and Dino track of Imola - home of the San Marino Grand Prix. A local judge has ruled that machines had to use engine mufflers during testing after a long campaign against noise pollution by environmentalists. The decision will not apply to race days.