Mohammed Ben Sulayem speaks during a press conference in Kuwait City. File / AFP

Gulf Today Report

Mohammed Ben Sulayem became the first non-European to be elected president of the International Automobile Federation (FIA) on Friday and succeeds the retiring Jean Todt.

The 60-year-old Emirati gained 61.62 per cent of the votes cast compared to 36.62 per cent for his sole rival Britain's Graham Stoker.
The former rally driver replaces Todt, who stands down after 12 years at the helm.

"I am very honoured to have been elected FIA President at the conclusion of the Annual General Assembly in Paris," said Ben Sulayem. "I thank all the Member Clubs for their esteem and trust. I congratulate Graham for his campaign and his engagement to the Federation.

I am committed to pursuing the important work and make motor sport and mobility take further steps forward. "I wish to express my infinite gratitude in the name of the FIA and that of its Members to Jean Todt for all that has been achieved over the past 12 years," added Ben Sulayem.

Ben Sulayem, from Dubai, has been campaigning for several months as the non-establishment candidate against Stoker who was Todt's right hand man. He has vowed to modernise the FIA and make it more transparent.

In his manifesto he promised an outside audit of the governance, and an evaluation of their finances plus budget reports and transparency over their finances.
Ben Sulayem, 14 times the Middle East rally champion, was supported by his region, which is becoming increasingly influential in motor sport.

The United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain already host Grand Prix and will be joined in 2023 by Qatar — who broke ranks with them to vote for Stoker.
Todt has completed three four-year mandates with the 75-year-old Frenchman and former Ferrari boss proud of his legacy especially in making the sport he believes safer. He is also pleased with the creation of several other motorsport championships.

"We created the Formula E championship, an endurance world championship with a new elite category, and a rally-raid world championship which begins next year in Dakar," he said.

Agence France-Presse