Campaigning for the role of FIA president, set to be voted upon later this year, has accelerated with a number of affiliated clubs confirming their colours.

Incumbent president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, is seeking re-election for a second term as the head of motorsport’s world governing body with Carlos Sainz Snr identified as a potential rival candidate.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s chances of earning another term as FIA president have increased significantly

Additional reporting by Thomas Maher

PlanetF1.com has obtained a copy of a letter of support for Mohammed Ben Sulayem from an array of member clubs from across the Americas.

The letter includes signatures from Fabiana Ecclestone, who is FIA vice-president for sport and wife of the Formula 1’s former commercial boss, Bernie Ecclestone.

“We are all acutely aware of the catastrophic financial situation you inherited,” it states.

“Without the decisive and bold actions you took from day one, the very future of the FIA would have been at risk.

“The turnaround achieved in less than four years is nothing short of extraordinary, especially when coupled with the implementation of professional management systems that you deployed in parallel.”

Crucially, it adds support for Ben Sulayem’s quest for re-election.

“We understand that four years is a short time to complete the ambitious reforms you have initiated,” it notes.

“Therefore, we strongly encourage you to seek re-election at the upcoming AGA, so that you may continue the important work you have started, with our full support.”

The process for electing the FIA president, set to be voted upon at the general assembly in Uzbekistan in December, is outlined in the organisation’s statutes.

Each presidential candidate must nominate a plate of individuals in other roles, including present of the senate, a deputy president, among a host of others.

It’s a significant list that requires representation and support globally.

With the Americas throwing its support behind Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the odds of a successful campaign against the current president have shortened dramatically.

That’s underscored with expected support elsewhere, significantly reducing the number of votes available for any potentially challenger.

Officially, no contender has been nominated.

Carlos Sainz Snr has been flagged as a potential candidate though the 61-year-old Spaniard has not yet acknowledged or confirmed his interest in pursuing the role.

Meanwhile, David Richards is a known detractor of the current leadership.

However, at 72, the chairman of Motorsport UK and former Benetton team principal would be deemed too old to run as Article 8.2 of the FIA statute states:

‘…the President of the FIA, the President of the Senate, the Deputy President for Automobile Mobility and Tourism and the Deputy President for Sport must be under 70 years of age on the day of the election (or of the re-election).’

More to follow

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