Spark the Future reveals full programme
A day of big ideas, bold voices
and sustainable vision
On Thursday 31 July 2025, Jyväskylä becomes the epicentre of sustainable innovation in motorsport and mobility as Spark the Future – The Sustainable Mobility Forum takes the stage at Paviljonki, as part of Secto Rally Finland.
The final programme is now confirmed – and it’s packed with globally recognised voices, timely topics and a powerful message: the future of mobility is sustainable, inclusive, and driven by innovation.
This one-day high-level forum brings together pioneers from sport, technology, energy, media, and motorsport to explore how we can transition to a greener future with motorsport being part of the solution, rather than the problem.
What’s on the agenda?
The day opens with insights from the FIA, the international motorsport governing body, followed by Matias Henkola, CEO of Secto Automotive, who challenges us to think of car ownership in a whole new light: Can we save the car by making it sustainable?
From there, the programme accelerates into bold territory:
Petteri Kilpinen, President of the Finnish Olympic Committee, sets the tone with a keynote on how sports can lead in ESG values.
A deep-dive into new sustainable forms of energy in mobility includes perspectives from Asahi Kasei, Caetano Bus, and Cefmof, offering real-world solutions that are already powering change globally.
Yuichiro Haruna, CEO of Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT, brings the motorsport perspective to sustainability through competition – proving that excitement and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.
The forum also explores what’s next for rallying, with a preview of the 2027 WRC regulations led by Xavier Mestelan, FIA Chief Technical and Safety Officer and Pernilla Solberg, President of the WRC Commission.
Tackling tough questions – with top minds
Can sustainability be communicated without greenwashing? Professor Vilma Luoma-aho answers this in her keynote, diving into digital communication strategies that build trust in an age of skepticism.
The afternoon session is built around WRC’s Beyond Rally agenda and it’s three key topics: Sustainability, Innovation and Inclusion. Representatives from the FIA, WRC Promoter, AKK Sports Ltd and Safari Rally Kenya share key lessons from the global field and how biodiversity, inclusion, and electrification are reshaping WRC events from around the world.
Experts from Kempower, Scania and Enovation will present practical innovations to decarbonise rallies and promote responsible management in accordance with WRC’s Sustainability Roadbook.
Burcu Cetinkaya (President of the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission) will update the audience on Girls on Track and WRC’s Female Driver Development programme.
Data plays a central role in the sustainability journey but can often be overwhelming and indecipherable. Making a career out of breaking down complex data for Gen Z and millennials, Riley Martin of the highly engaging SportsBall Instagram channel will share insights on the art of making data accessible.
One of the day’s most dynamic moments is a Leadership Panel featuring Pekka Lundmark, former Nokia CEO and a visionary of green digital transformation, Lise Heidal, CEO of NEP Europe, a key player in global media and broadcasting and Matias Henkola, bridging the automotive and tech worlds with an entrepreneur’s drive.
Crowning the day – Richard Hammond live on stage
To close the forum, a special fireside chat with Richard Hammond – famed for Top Gear and The Grand Tour – offers a personal and passionate take on how we can rev up a positively sustainable mindset. Expect sharp insight, stories from behind the scenes, and a genuine call to action for the automotive world.
