Current FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem is expected to retain his position in the governing body’s upcoming election despite facing opposition from three other candidates.
The Emirati is looking to secure a second four-year term as president in the FIA’s upcoming General Assemblies, due to be held on 12 December.
Former FIA steward Tim Mayer, Swiss racing driver Laura Villars and former Miss Belgium Virginie Philippot have also put themselves forward for the role. In order to submit a bid, each candidate must name a presidential list of team members that will run alongside them to fulfil a number of key positions: a president of the senate; a deputy president for automobile mobility and tourism; a deputy president for sport; and seven vice presidents for sport.
The seven vice presidents must come from all the regions that come under the FIA. In fact, one of each representing Africa, Asia-Pacific, MENA (Middle East and North Africa), North America and South America. Finally, two will be representing Europe.
The candidates may only join one presidential candidate’s team of nominees. Additionally, they must all be eligible candidates for the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC). According to the list, only one potential representative comes from South America: Fabiana Ecclestone.
Ecclestone, wife of former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone, currently acts as Ben Sulayem’s vice president for the region. Consequently, she appears on his re-election list. This means no other candidate will be able to form a list of nominees from each region.
Election decided before vote
Submissions for WMSC candidates were open from 13 June to 19 September, according to a letter sent to FIA members. However, that deadline has now passed. There is no way for another representative of South America to be added to a presidential candidate’s team.
It’s possible that the other candidates had attempted to recruit a South American official. However, their application may have been rejected by the FIA Nominations Committee or missed the deadline.
Election documents state that a WMSC candidate must be under 75 years of age on the day of the election. Additionally, “there must not be anything in the record of each of the candidates for the WMSC that calls into question their professional integrity”.
The FIA cannot disclose more details on the situation due to confidentiality agreements in the interest of neutrality.
