The FIM assures “solidarity to Carlos Tatay” and will advance him the money for compensation

2024-10-26 09:12:00

The International Motorcycle Federation (FIM) has released an official statement In response to the recent statements of the Spanish driver Carlos Tatay, who expressed his frustration on social media at the lack of support from the federation following the serious accident suffered at the JuniorGP of Portimao just over a year ago, an accident which caused him permanent paraplegia.

In his message, the 21-year-old pilot, currently in a wheelchair due to his injuries, he accused the FIM of denying him disability compensationstating that the federation justified itself by claiming that his situation did not meet the coverage requirements.

Following these statements, the FIM explained that the riders’ insurance program had been activated at the time of the accident, covering everything from first aid to repatriation costs to Spain. Furthermore, states that he has been in continuous contact with Tatay and the Royal Spanish Motorcycle Federation (RFME), coordinate with your insurance broker to expedite access to your benefits.

Regarding Tatay’s compensation, the FIM assures that the misunderstanding did not come from them but from the insurance broker. “The FIM has never denied the coverage of costs or the payment of benefits” the statement says. Add that too “To strengthen our support and solidarity towards Carlos Tatay, the FIM is committed to covering compensation for disability linked to the specificity of his current state of health, even before a final decision by the insurer .”

The FIM also recalls that the riders insurance programme, established in 2019, covers thousands of riders in international competitions, guaranteeing emergency medical coverage, repatriation and compensation in the event of death or disability. In his statement, The FIM reiterates its commitment to Tatay e “with all the pilots”, showing his empathy towards the situation the young driver is going through and promising to stay by his side in the recovery process.

Carlos Tatay explodes at the FIM after learning they denied him the compensation he deserves after the accident that left him in a wheelchair 🤬 pic.twitter.com/evmAQOOpjF

— todocircuito.com (@TodocircuitoWeb) October 23, 2024

This statement from the FIM responds to the harsh words of Tatay, who spoke on Instagram a few days ago: “You’re unhappy, you’re just wasting our money.” According to Tatay, the FIM rejected his claim for compensation, arguing that his condition was not eligible for disability coverage due to his new career as a racing driver. This comment triggered a wave of reactions from his followers and other riders, who criticized the FIM’s insurance management and support in situations like his.

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Below, we reproduce the full statement published by the FIM on the Tatay case:

“Since 2019, the FIM has established a global insurance program for riders competing in the FIM Championships/World Cups and FIM Awards with an FIM licence. In the event of an accident, the FIM riders insurance program covers:
• Emergency medical care at the scene of the event (subsidiary and complementary to any other insurance the pilot may have)
• Repatriation to the pilot’s country of residence
• Death and disability

Coverage is provided in the country(ies) where the insured event occurs, which can be anywhere in the world, including the country of primary residence of the insured driver. To date, thousands of motorcyclists have benefited from this global insurance program.

Reference is made to the recent public statements made by Carlos Tatay. The FIM has been at Tatay’s side since the first day after his unfortunate accident suffered during the Moto2 European Championship tests in Portimão (Portugal) on 2 July 2023. The FIM riders’ insurance program was activated immediately and all emergency medical care at the test site, the costs of assistance and repatriation were covered by the insurance and paid to Mr. Tatay.

From the beginning and therefore long before Tatay published the videos on social media, the FIM has maintained regular contact with Tatay, as well as with the Royal Spanish Motorcycle Federation and the insurance broker. The FIM never indicated to Mr Tatay that he would not be paid for costs covered by the insurance program nor denied him payment of any benefits. The communication Tatay refers to in his public statements comes from the insurance broker and not from the FIM.

To once again strengthen the FIM’s solidarity and support to Mr. Tatay, the FIM will pay Mr. Tatay disability coverage arising from the accident related to the specificity of his current state of health, even before the company’s insurance company takes any decision. “The FIM reiterates its solidarity with Mr Tatay and will continue to support him and all riders.”