Ben Sulayem (United Arab Emirates) replaces Todt as FIA President

PARIS, Dec. 17 (Reuters) – Mohammed Ben Sulayem of the United Arab Emirates will be the first non-European president of the world’s motorsport governing body after being elected on Friday, the International Automobile Federation (FIA) said.

He replaces the French Jean Todt, 75, who is retiring after three terms.

The 60-year-old former Dubai-born rally driver was taking a stand against British lawyer Graham Stoker, who has been Todt’s vice president for sport since 2009.

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

“The votes are cast and we won. We are delighted that 62% of all clubs have given us their vote,” Ben Sulayem’s “FIA for Members” campaign said on Twitter. An FIA spokesperson confirmed the result.

Formula 1 will feature high on Ben Sulayem’s list of immediate sporting priorities after last Sunday’s season-ending race in Abu Dhabi ended in uproar after a change in car proceedings from safety led Red Bull’s Max Verstappen to claim the title.

FIA race director Michael Masi has been at the center of the controversy, with Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff claiming the Australian ‘stole’ his driver Lewis Hamilton of an eighth championship record . Read more

The governing body agreed to review the decision-making process and clarify the rules.

Ben Sulayem, previously FIA vice-president and member of the World Motorsport Council, has Brazilian Fabiana Ecclestone, wife of former Formula 1 supremo Bernie, on his team. She will be vice president of sport in South America.

Robert Reid, who was the co-driver of the late British world rally champion Richard Burns, will assume the role of vice-president for sport.

Frenchman Todt ran unopposed in 2017. He remains honorary president.

Reporting by Alan Baldwin in London, editing by Jason Neely and Ken Ferris

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