Ben Sulayem's FIA presidency re-election bid reinforced by international club support

20:49, 29 May

bySienna Ionta

Mohammed Ben Sulayem has made a significant early move in retaining the FIA presidency. The Emirati has received a letter, signed by 36 FIA clubs, expressing support for the current FIA president, as GPblog can confirm.

The letter was written by Fabiana Ecclestone, the wife of former F1 owner Bernie Ecclestone. She is also the FIA vice president for sport in South America.

Letter to FIA President Ben Sulayem

“Dear President Mohammed, on behalf of the clubs listed below, we write to express our sincere gratitude for your commitment, dedication, vision, and above all, for keeping your promises to us, the members.”

“We are all fully aware of the disastrous financial situation you inherited. Without the decisive and courageous actions you took from day one, the future of the FIA would have been in jeopardy. The turnaround achieved in less than four years is nothing short of extraordinary, especially in conjunction with the implementation of professional management systems you introduced alongside.”

“As club presidents, we have personally felt and experienced how you and your management team care for us, the members, on a daily basis, supporting and involving us, treating us all with equal respect. We greatly appreciate this inclusive approach.”

“We also recognize and commend the significant efforts you and your team have made in repositioning the FIA as a world leader in mobility and motorsport. The strength and reputation of the FIA brand have clearly grown as a result of your leadership.”

“That being said, we understand that four years is a short time to complete the ambitious reforms you have initiated. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to stand for re-election at the upcoming AGM, so that you may continue the important work you have started, with our full support, with deep appreciation and optimism for the future, Hermanos.”

It is mainly American FIA clubs that have signed the letter. The president of the Spanish Motorsport Federation, Carmelo Sanz de Barros, has also signed the letter.

Support after possible participation by Sainz Sr.

The support comes after it was revealed that Carlos Sainz Sr. is considering running for the FIA presidency. The support from the 36 FIA clubs is an early blow to the Spaniard. The elections will take place in December.