Motor racing-UAE’s Ben Sulayem replaces Todt as FIA president

Paris, December 17 (BNA) The International Motor Federation (FIA) said that Emirati Mohammed bin Sulayem will be the first non-European head of the motorsports governing body after his election on Friday.

Reuters reported that he will replace Jean Todt, 75, who will retire after three terms in the post.

The 60-year-old Dubai-born former rally driver was up against British lawyer Graham Stoker, who has been Todd’s vice president of sport since 2009.

The FIA ​​is the governing body for Formula 1, the World Rally Championship, the World Endurance Championship and Formula E, among other series.

“The vote was taken and we won. We are happy that 62% of all clubs have given us their votes,” Bin Sulayem’s campaign “FIFA Members” said on Twitter. An FIA spokesman confirmed the result.

Formula 1 will be at the top of Bin Sulayem’s list of immediate sporting priorities after Sunday’s race in Abu Dhabi ended, after a change in safe car procedures led to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen winning the title.

FIA race director Michael Masi was at the center of the controversy, with Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff saying the Australian “stole” Lewis Hamilton from a record eighth championship.

The board agreed to consider the decision-making process and clarify the rules.

Bin Sulayem, a former FIA Vice President and member of the World Motorsport Council, includes Brazilian Fabiana Ecclestone, wife of former Formula 1 boss Bernie, on his team. She will be the Vice President of Sports for South America.

Robert Reed, who was a co-driver for British Rally World Champion Richard Burns, will take over the role of Vice President Sports.

Frenchman Todd stood unopposed in 2017. He remains an honorary president.

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