Saturday October 2nd, 1999

In a joint statement released yesterday, "The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) declare that they will continue to use all possible means - education, information, prevention, testing, sanctions - in the fight against doping, a scourge which threatens the health of participants and the fairness of competition in all sports.

"This is especially important in motor and motorcycle sport where the use of doping substances can modify behaviour with serious consequences not only for the driver or rider but also for other participants, spectators and officials.

"For several years, the FIA and the FIM have strictly applied the regulations of the International Olympic Committee, with numerous and repeated controls. Both federations are fully prepared to intensify checks should the need arise.

"They also wholeheartedly support the setting up of an independent international anti-doping agency.

"The two federations have noted that, in the context of the fight against doping, they have a very similar approach to control procedures, the definition of prohibited substances and methods, as well as the necessity for sanctions. The FIA Medical Commission and the FIM Medical Panel are working in consultation with one another in order to harmonise further the methods they employ.

"The FIA and the FIM are glad to record that numerous checks carried out at international motorcycle and motor sport championships have confirmed that, so far, doping is not a threat in either sport."