Rally legend Malcolm Wilson has been nominated by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem to be the subsequent deputy president for sport.
Ben Sulayem is required to appoint a substitute for Robert Reid, after the previous deputy president for sport resigned earlier this month, citing a “governance disaster” on the FIA. Reid — a former World Rally Championship (WRC) profitable co-driver — had been a long-term ally of Ben Sulayem’s having been in place since 2021, however was extremely important of the route the governing physique was taking upon his departure.
“My resignation just isn’t about personalities; it’s about ideas,” Reid stated. “Motorsport deserves management that’s accountable, clear, and member-driven. I can not, in good religion, stay a part of a system that doesn’t mirror these values.”
Ben Sulayem has now nominated Wilson to take over the place, retaining a powerful rallying hyperlink because the Briton drove within the WRC for practically twenty years and went on to ascertain the M-Sport operation that’s accountable for Ford’s WRC program. Wilson was awarded an OBE for companies to motorsport in 2009.
“I’m delighted to appoint Malcolm Wilson OBE for the function of FIA deputy president for sport,” Ben Sulayem stated. “Malcolm has had a distinguished profession in international motorsport. For over 40 years he has competed on the highest stage each as a driver and technical companion to groups. This expertise can be invaluable to the FIA and our member golf equipment as we proceed to develop grassroots {and professional} motorsport, driving innovation within the sport to profit followers, drivers and groups.”
FIA Members will vote on the nomination of 69-year-old Wilson on the Extraordinary Normal Assemblies and Convention that takes place in Macau in June.
“Having began my profession in motorsport within the Nineteen Seventies as a driver after which technical companion to groups, it’s a nice honor to be nominated for the function of FIA deputy president for sport,” Wilson stated. “The FIA has performed a central function in my profession, and I very a lot look ahead to supporting the president and all of the FIA household in its necessary mission. There has by no means been a extra thrilling time to be in motorsport, and I do know first-hand the advantages the game brings to households and communities the world over.
“I look ahead to working with the president all through his present time period of workplace, bringing our sport to new audiences and guaranteeing we ship the easiest championships for all our opponents.”