Sebastien Ogier throws support behind possible Carlos Sainz Sr FIA presidency bid
Sebastien Ogier has voiced support for Carlos Sainz Sr should the World Rally Championship legend decide to run for FIA president.
As revealed by Motorsport.com last week, two-time WRC champion Sainz Sr is seriously considering whether to formally stand for election against Mohammed Ben Sulayem in the race to become FIA president. Sainz Sr is gauging his level of support from the FIA's member automotive clubs before making a final decision.
Advertisement
The news of Sainz Sr's potential presidency bid follows another high-profile WRC figure in M-Sport-Ford founder Malcolm Wilson being nominated by Ben Sulayem to take over the governing body's deputy president for sport role, recently vacated by 2001 WRC co-driver champion Robert Reid.
Interestingly, Sainz Sr drove for M-Sport in WRC (1996-1997 and 2000-2002) before returning to the operation that runs the factory Ford Rally-Raid programme last year.
When asked about the possibility of Sainz Sr considering running from FIA president, Ogier was among a group of WRC drivers that indicated their support for Sainz.
'The only thing I can say is I have always had massive respect for Carlos and I like him a lot as a person as well,' Ogier told Motorsport.com at Rally Portugal. 'If I'm honest I will be happy and will support him running for that if I can. I don't know what kind of power I have, but probably very little. I was happy to read this news, so let's see what happens.'
Sébastien Ogier, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT
Sébastien Ogier, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT
Toyota Racing
Toyota Racing
Advertisement
Hyundai boss Cyril Abiteboul stopped short of offering his support to a potential Sainz run for FIA presidency, but admitted he would welcome an FIA presidency election that has several candidates.
'I think having multiple candidates is a good thing. In any election voters should be given options and given a choice, so I think it is good,' Abiteboul told Motorsport.com.
'Like our current president, Carlos is coming with a huge rally background and for our sport it is equally as good news as Mohammed Ben Sulayem running for presidency a few years back.'
WRC drivers support FIA tweak to swearing penalties
The WRC service park in Portugal has also reacted positively to confirmation that the FIA has revised the penalties in Appendix B of its International Sporting Code, reducing the potential fines for drivers caught swearing.
Advertisement
The improvements come after WRC drivers, through the new World Rally Drivers Alliance (WoRDA), urged the FIA for changes to be implemented after Hyundai's Adrien Fourmaux was fined for swearing during a televised stage-end interview at Rally Sweden.
'I haven't read exactly what changed there but it looks like there is some move that is positive and for once all the effort we have done has probably paid off as well,' Ogier said. 'I'm not sure if it is only thanks to WoRDA, but I'm sure WoRDA contributed to that. That's positive.'
Read Also:
Four big questions as WRC begins its gravel season in Portugal
To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Motor 1
5 hours ago
- Motor 1
Former Endurance Racing Boss Gerard Neveu Takes Retromobile to New York
The former CEO of the FIA World Endurance Championship, Gerard Neveu, has taken on the role of CEO of Retromobile US, the first expansion of Paris' celebrated annual gathering of car collectors, vendors and enthusiasts. The 60 year-old Frenchman will steer the organizing team for the event at New York's Javits Center from November 19-22 next year. After 25 years in the motorsport and automotive industries, Neveu has an extensive contacts book and a deep experience of staging international events and operating in the US market. During his decade at the helm of WEC, he laid the groundwork for the championship as it is today, with hybrid technology attracting multiple manufacturers. Neveu was also one of the key protagonists in the convergence of regulations between the US based International Motor Sports Association (IMSA, owned by NASCAR) and the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO, owner of WEC and founder of the 24 Hours of Le Mans). Prior to WEC he served as the Director of Paul Ricard Circuit in the South of France. Retromobile Paris celebrates its 50th anniversary next year, and the New York show aims to capitalize on the burgeoning US classic car scene, where more than 50% of the global collectors' cars market is concentrated. Neveu's first moves in the role have been to secure 400,000 square feet in four halls in Javits Center and strike an auction partnership with Gooding Christie's. 'The concept of Retromobile is special,' says Neveu. 'You find both the biggest car collectors and vendors from all around the world at the same time, plus manufacturers and brokers. You also have a fan community attending the event, who can live out their dreams, see cars and people which may bring back precious memories. Retromobile is a celebration of all things automotive, including but not limited to, motorsport. And it is a place where you can live and share your passion for cars of all types.' The choice of New York, rather than the West Coast or Miami was based on a number of factors, with logistics being a key driver. 'But also because around New York you already have a huge community of car collectors and brokers,' says Neveu. 'For the inaugural show we are looking for 200-250 exhibitors (with more than 80% coming from the USA) and 50,000 to 60,000 visitors. 'The partnership with Gooding Christie's is great for the event because, with the combination of expertise from Gooding and the prestige of Christie's, we have every reason to hope for a spectacular classic car auction. The New York event has a lot to live up to. Retromobile Paris last year attracted 146,000 visitors, of whom 19% were from outside France and 600 exhibitors with auction sales of over $125 million. 'I'm trying to bring my experience of managing big automotive events and make sure we will be able to offer a great and unique experience to our visitors and participants,' says Neveu. 'The big challenge facing us will be to attain the heights of the prestigious Retromobile Paris. The 50th anniversary of Retromobile next year is the perfect opportunity to export the concept of this exclusive event elsewhere for the very first time and we will do our best to deliver an event in New York with the same DNA as Paris at its core but with the vibrant American colors running right through it.' More on Retromobile Rétromobile Partners With Gooding Christie's Auction House Retromobile Classic Car Exhibition Is Coming to America in 2025 Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Yahoo
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem to Visit Japan to Highlight Global Role of Mobility Innovation and Continued Motorsport Growth
TOKYO, June 02, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The President of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) Mohammed Ben Sulayem will embark on a high-level visit to Japan this week, underscoring the strategic importance of the country in shaping the future of global mobility, automotive innovation, and motorsport development. The visit reaffirms the FIA's commitment, as the global governing body for motorsport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, to collaborating with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), global governments, mobility clubs and national sport authorities (ASNs) to advance sustainable mobility and inclusive motorsport growth. Japan, as a leading technological and industrial powerhouse, plays a critical role in driving innovations that have far-reaching, worldwide impact. Mobility innovation in the country is setting global standards, with advanced public transportation systems, smart city development, ongoing research into alternative fuels, and growing Mobility as a Service (MaaS) platforms. Last year's Japan Mobility Show attracted record numbers of over 1.25m as it emphasised sustainability and cross-industry collaboration. In the sporting sector the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) reported over 200,000 licensed drivers actively participating in motorsport – a growth of over 20% in the last five years, alongside record attendance at this year's Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka, marking the highest turnout since 2006. During his visit, Ben Sulayem will engage in key discussions with prominent government leaders and stakeholders, including Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Koji Murofushi the Commissioner of the Japan Sports Agency, and Hiromasa Nakano, Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. Hosted by JAF, Ben Sulayem will also take part in a tour of the City Circuit and JAF Control Tower, showcasing Japan's investment in motorsport infrastructure and urban racing concepts. Speaking ahead of his visit, Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: "Japan continues to be a beacon of technological leadership in the automotive sector, motorsport passion, and innovative mobility solutions which improve people's quality of life. This visit is an opportunity to strengthen our ties and align our shared goals that can benefit the global community. "It also reflects the FIA's broader vision to drive progress in innovation, safety, and sustainability across mobility and motorsport. With its powerful combination of industrial strength, governmental commitment, and rich sporting heritage, Japan stands as a key partner in realising these global objectives." This visit aligns with the FIA's broader vision to foster innovation, safety, and sustainability across mobility and motorsport, while promoting accessibility worldwide. Japan's unique combination of industrial capability, governmental support, and sporting heritage makes it a pivotal partner in achieving these objectives. The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It is a non-profit organisation committed to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability and equality across motor sport and mobility. Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 245 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including seven FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all. View source version on Contacts For media enquiries, please contact:Geri Sherwin, Head of Presidential Communications: gsherwin@
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Yahoo
Honda won't replace injured Luca Marini for MotoGP Aragon GP
Honda HRC will not call up an of its three test riders for MotoGP's upcoming Aragon Grand Prix this weekend, instead opting to enter Joan Mir only, understands. Honda rider Luca Marini sustained a long-term injury last week when testing at Suzuka with the brand's endurance squad. Unlike reigning champion Jorge Martin, who will once again be replaced by Aprilia test rider Lorenzo Savadori, Marini will not be replaced. Honda can name a last-minute replacement until Wednesday, but does not intend to. Advertisement According to the rules, if a rider is declared unfit, their team does not have to name a replacement for the next race if they got injured fewer than nine days before. Aleix Espargaro (who raced at Jerez and Silverstone as a wildcard), Takaaki Nakagami (who did so at Le Mans) and Stefan Bradl (whose most recent appearance was at the 2024 Solidarity GP at Barcelona) are Honda's three test riders and could have stepped up to the factory team's line-up. There are no plans for HRC's test team – which includes Espargaro – to attend Monday's official MotoGP test at Motorland Aragon. The factory riders will take part. Augusto Fernandez, Pramac Racing Augusto Fernandez, Pramac Racing Yamaha Motor Racing Yamaha Motor Racing Advertisement Meanwhile, Augusto Fernandez will race in Alcaniz as a Yamaha wildcard, having already taken part in the Austin, Qatar and Jerez rounds, standing in for injured Miguel Oliveira at Pramac. Finally, Ai Ogura, who is undergoing further tests on his right knee on Tuesday following surgery, has not yet received medical clearance and must pass a medical check with Dr. Angel Charte on Thursday to be declared fit. Read Also: Francesco Bagnaia must 'stop the bleeding' of points in title race against Marc Marquez To read more articles visit our website.
