For the first time in the history of Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), a non-European has been elected as the President of the body
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, a 60-year-old from the United Arab Emirates, is the newly appointed President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). In the history of FIA, Sulayem is the first President who is a non-European. Sulayem succeeded Jean Todt, a man who served as the President for 12 long years. Ben Sulayem from UAE won the post after 61.6 per cent of the votes from the FIA member clubs went to him.
What is the value of this piece?
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) was established in 1904 that manages several motorsport tournaments in the world. From Formula One to World Rally Championship, several such motorsport events are guided by the FIA. Therefore, it is crucial to learn about the man who has turned into the leader of one of the biggest sports governing bodies in the world.
A former Rally Champion, Ben was the President of the Emirates Motorsports Organisation (EMSO)
A former 14-time FIA Middle East Rally champion, Sulayem as a racer won 61 international racing titles in his long motorsport career that commenced in 1983 and ended in 2002. In 2005, he grew into the President of the Emirates Motorsports Organisation (EMSO). Before becoming FIA’s President, he worked as the Vice President of mobility and tourism. Not to overlook, since 2006, he has been United Arab Emirates Motor Sport Federation’schairman.
Sulayem’s official statement after becoming the President
After getting elected as the President, Sulayem said, “I congratulate Graham for his campaign and his engagement to the Federation. 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. I am committed to pursuing the important work and make motor sport and mobility take further steps forward.”
Sulayem’s initial challenge as FIA’s President
Even before Sulayem completed 24 hours as the President, he received his first challenge. After losing the world title, Hamilton and Toto missed the annual FIA Prize Giving ceremony. As per rules, the first, second and third positioned racers and their team principals are not allowed to miss the ceremony. Therefore, Sulayem now needs to think about what should be the ideal punishment for the two chaps.
