Mohammed Ben Sulayem elected FIA President

Mohammed Ben Sulayem of the UAE has emerged new president of the FIA (Federation Internationale De L’Automobile)

He succeeds Jean Todt, who is retiring after serving three terms as head of the governing body

Born in Dubai, the 60-year-old is a 14-time Middle East rally champion and has been vice-president for sport at the FIA, in addition to a member of the World Motor Sport Council.

“I am very honoured to have been elected FIA President at the conclusion of the Annual General Assembly in Paris today,” he said. “I thank all the Member Clubs for their esteem and trust.

The FIA ​​is the governing body for Formula 1, the World Rally Championship, World Endurance and Formula E, among others. “The votes are in and we won. We are delighted that 62% of all clubs have given us their vote.” , said Ben Sulayem’s “FIA for Members” campaign on Twitter.

An FIA spokesperson confirmed the result.

Formula 1 will be high on Ben Sulayem’s list of immediate sporting priorities after the race that ended last Sunday in Abu Dhabi ended in a stir after a change in safety car procedure led to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen taking the title.

FIA race director Michael Masi has been at the center of the controversy, with Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff saying the Australian had ‘robbed’ his driver Lewis Hamilton of a record eighth championship.

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Ben Sulayem, formerly vice president of the FIA ​​and member of the World Motor Sport Council, has Brazilian Fabiana Ecclestone, wife of former Formula 1 supremo Bernie, on his team. She becomes vice president for sports in South America.

Robert Reid, who was co-driver to the late British World Rally Champion Richard Burns, will take on the role of Vice President for Sport. Frenchman Todt was unimpeded in 2017. He remains honorary president.