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IOL News
2 days ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
No Formula One, Formula E or W2RC for SA in 2026: sources
By: Double Apex The FIA World Motor Sport Council recently met in Macau and made a few vital decisions regarding the top echelons of the sport. Among the decisions that were ratified include 2025 calendars for all the FIA World Championship events. Sadly, there will be no F1, Formula E or W2RC for SA in 2026. The 2026 F1 calendar commences in Australia on 8 March with the season finale in Abu Dhabi on 6 December. The 2026 schedule will, once again, feature 24 races. Interestingly, Imola has been replaced by Madrid. So we have gone from there being two races in Italy to having two races in Spain. The USA still hosts three rounds (Miami, Austin and Las Vegas). More attention has been paid to geographical flow for better efficiency. As a result there are groupings of races in particular geographical areas. Local F1 fans have been dreaming of a race taking place on local soil for years. The minister of sport has been quite vocal about the success of his tenure resting on him being able to bring a race to SA. The department has even taken bids from a few interested parties. The idea being that the most successful bid would be presented to the FIA. The entire process seems to have gone quiet. Our sources tell us that none of the bids were of an adequate level to impress the FIA and Formula One. As a result, no local company ie promoter has yet been appointed to pitch to the sport's governing body. Stefano Domenicali, president and CEO of Formula 1, said: '2026 will be a new era for Formula 1 where we will witness a brand-new set of regulations for our sport, the cars and the engines that will be powered by 100% sustainable fuel. "We are excited to welcome Madrid to the calendar, and to see huge automotive brands like Audi, Cadillac and Ford join the Formula 1 grid. It promises to be an unforgettable season, where once again we will come together at 24 amazing global venues to watch the best drivers in the world push themselves to the limit and produce incredible wheel to wheel racing for our millions of fans watching around the globe.' No W2RC or Formula E Either Surprisingly, there will be no W2RC in SA either. The third round of the 2025 series, which started with the Dakar Rally, visited SA just a few weeks ago. By all accounts it was a success with visiting teams impressed by the organisation of the event as well as the variety of terrain. Rally raid legend Nasser Al Attiyah said of the event: 'It was really nice to be here in South Africa. We'd like to come back.' It was a sentiment echoed by WRC icon Sebastien Loeb: 'It is my second time in South Africa, but my first outside Cape Town where I raced in World Rallycross. Going on safari and seeing so much of the landscape during the stages was very beautiful.' Formula E won't be making a return to SA either in 2026. The sole event in SA, which took place a few years ago, was voted the best of the 2023 season. Cape Town's street circuit provided exciting racing and a picturesque backdrop in the form of Table Mountain and the Atlantic Seaboard. There is, however, a double-header blank spot in the 2026 schedule. But will we see the series race on local soil again…? Article courtesy of Double Apex
Qatar Tribune
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Qatar Tribune
Japan and FIA united in driving global progress: Ben Sulayem
Agencies Dubai FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has completed an official visit to Japan, reaffirming the strong ties between the Federation and one of the world's most influential nations in mobility and motorsport. As the governing body for world motorsport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, the FIA is committed to building partnerships that drive innovation, safety, and sustainability. Hosted by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) and President Masayoshi Sakaguchi, the visit offered vital insights into Japan's investment in smart infrastructure and the evolving role of cities as arenas for both mobility innovation and sporting events. Japan continues to be a vital partner in advancing the FIA's goals, and this visit highlighted the shared commitment of both Japan and the FIA to accelerate progress across the global transport and motorsport arenas. During his official visit, Ben Sulayem met with key national figures including Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Koji Murofushi, Commissioner of the Japan Sports Agency, and Hiromasa Nakano, Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. Their discussions focused on common challenges and opportunities – from advancing cleaner technologies and enhancing road safety, to expanding access to motorsport and preparing for the future of urban mobility. Reflecting on his visit, Ben Sulayem said: 'This has been an important milestone for the FIA as we deepen our relationship with Japan – a country that continues to lead by example in both mobility innovation and motorsport development. 'It was a personal honour to meet with Prime Minister Ishiba and leading ministers, and to witness firsthand the energy and commitment driving progress across the sector. 'From transformative government policies to world-class sporting activities including four FIA World Championship events, Japan shows how integrated approaches to mobility and sport can serve society. 'The JAF's dual role as a sport and mobility leader, representing more than 20 million members and hosting our Championships, is truly remarkable and I am grateful for their hospitality and support.' Ben Sulayem also highlighted the significance of having Mr. Akio Toyoda, Chairman of Toyota, as an active member of the FIA Senate, symbolising the close and constructive relationship between Japan's automotive leaders and the FIA's global mission. The visit comes at a time of notable growth and renewed momentum for Japan's motorsport and mobility sectors. JAF now reports over 200,000 licensed racing drivers – a 20% increase over the past five years – with the 2025 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix recording its highest attendance since 2006. At the same time, Japan's broader mobility ecosystem continues to inspire on the world stage through cutting-edge innovation in smart cities, hydrogen, and sustainable technologies. With a mobility-first approach to infrastructure design that is seeing smart-transport apps rank among one of the fastest growing national services and a smart transportation market valued last year at $6.9 billion, Japan is a pioneer in the real-world integration of new technologies. Ben Sulayem has quickly moved on from Japan to Macau for the 2025 FIA Extraordinary General Assembly and Annual Conference starting on Tuesday and welcoming over 500 senior FIA delegates across mobility and motorsport from 149 countries.
Mid East Info
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Mid East Info
Ben Sulayem says Japan and the FIA are united in driving global progress
FIA President reflects on influential visit celebrating mobility innovation and motorsport growth Dubai, UAE, 8th June, 2025: FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has completed an official visit to Japan, reaffirming the strong ties between the Federation and one of the world's most influential nations in mobility and motorsport. As the governing body for world motorsport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, the FIA is committed to building partnerships that drive innovation, safety, and sustainability. Hosted by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) and President Masayoshi Sakaguchi, the visit offered vital insights into Japan's investment in smart infrastructure and the evolving role of cities as arenas for both mobility innovation and sporting events. Japan continues to be a vital partner in advancing the FIA's goals, and this visit highlighted the shared commitment of both Japan and the FIA to accelerate progress across the global transport and motorsport arenas. During his official visit, Ben Sulayem met with key national figures including Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Koji Murofushi, Commissioner of the Japan Sports Agency, and Hiromasa Nakano, Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. Their discussions focused on common challenges and opportunities – from advancing cleaner technologies and enhancing road safety, to expanding access to motorsport and preparing for the future of urban mobility. Reflecting on his visit, Ben Sulayem said: 'This has been an important milestone for the FIA as we deepen our relationship with Japan – a country that continues to lead by example in both mobility innovation and motorsport development. 'It was a personal honour to meet with Prime Minister Ishiba and leading ministers, and to witness firsthand the energy and commitment driving progress across the sector. 'From transformative government policies to world-class sporting activities including four FIA World Championship events, Japan shows how integrated approaches to mobility and sport can serve society. 'The JAF's dual role as a sport and mobility leader, representing more than 20 million members and hosting our Championships, is truly remarkable and I am grateful for their hospitality and support.' Ben Sulayem also highlighted the significance of having Mr. Akio Toyoda, Chairman of Toyota, as an active member of the FIA Senate, symbolising the close and constructive relationship between Japan's automotive leaders and the FIA's global mission. The visit comes at a time of notable growth and renewed momentum for Japan's motorsport and mobility sectors. JAF now reports over 200,000 licensed racing drivers – a 20% increase over the past five years – with the 2025 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix recording its highest attendance since 2006. At the same time, Japan's broader mobility ecosystem continues to inspire on the world stage through cutting-edge innovation in smart cities, hydrogen, and sustainable technologies. With a mobility-first approach to infrastructure design that is seeing smart-transport apps rank among one of the fastest growing national services and a smart transportation market valued last year at $6.9 billion, Japan is a pioneer in the real-world integration of new technologies. Ben Sulayem has quickly moved on from Japan to Macau for the 2025 FIA Extraordinary General Assembly and Annual Conference starting on Tuesday and welcoming over 500 senior FIA delegates across mobility and motorsport from 149 countries. -ENDS- Notes to Editors: The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motorsport 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.
BBC News
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Rao makes surprise FIA return as Ben Sulayem advisor
Former senior executive Shaila-Ann Rao has made a surprise return to Formula 1's governing body the FIA just over two years after who in 2022 left her position as interim secretary general after just six months in the role, has been appointed adviser to FIA president Mohammed Ben is a lawyer who before joining the FIA the first time around had been general counsel to the Mercedes Formula 1 team and special adviser to their boss Toto returns to the FIA as Ben Sulayem prepares to run for a second term in December's FIA presidential Emirati contacted Rao himself about returning to the re-appointment also comes in the wake of a series of controversies affecting Ben Sulayem over the three years of his most recent of these was the resignation of deputy president for sport Robert Reid this month, expressing concerns over the direction of the governance at the FIA under Ben Sulayem's leadership. On the same day, the former chief executive officer Natalie Robyn broke the silence she had kept since she being asked to leave the organisation last summer after just 18 months in her too, expressed concerns about Ben Sulayem's leadership in remarks to BBC Sport. Rao will start work on 1 May. Her role will be as a consultant and she will provide "advice to the FIA president on a range of issues including regulatory and commercial matters related to the seven FIA World Championships," an FIA statement the statement, Ben Sulayem said: "Shaila-Ann Rao has an exceptional record in global motorsport and will be a great asset to me and my team as we continue to improve the regulatory and commercial frameworks across all the FIA World Championships, benefiting our drivers, teams and FIA member clubs."She will also advise me on matters related to all the FIA World Championship promoters."Rao said: "I am looking forward to advising the FIA president across the FIA World Championships and building on the significant progress that has already been made during his presidential term strengthening the Championships' regulatory and commercial frameworks."The FIA holds a unique place in global sport, and I am excited to support the FIA at this time and to help the FIA president deliver an even stronger future for motor sport."BBC Sport has requested further explanation for the circumstances surrounding Rao's recruitment but the FIA has not yet was unavailable for comment.
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Shaila-Ann Rao returns to FIA as President Mohammed Ben Sulayem appoints her as Advisor
Shaila-Ann Rao has returned to the FIA for the third time, this time in the elite post of Advisor to the FIA President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem. The announcement was made by the FIA on Wednesday, and she will officially begin work on May 1. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now She had earlier worked for the FIA as Legal Director for two years, from 2016 to 2018, and returned in 2022 in the post of Interim Secretary General for Motorsport before leaving within five months. Shaila-Ann Rao is FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem's advisor now Shaila-Ann Rao will be advising the FIA President on multiple issues, including regulatory and commercial matters related to the seven FIA World Championships. On Rao's appointment, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said in a statement: 'I am delighted to welcome back Shaila-Ann Rao to the FIA. She has an exceptional record in global motor sport and will be a great asset to me and my team as we continue to improve the regulatory and commercial frameworks across all the FIA World Championships, benefiting our drivers, teams, and FIA Member Clubs. She will also advise me on matters related to all the FIA World Championship promoters.' Opening up about her return to the FIA, Shaila-Ann Rao said, 'I am looking forward to advising the FIA President across the FIA World Championships and building on the significant progress that has already been made during his Presidential term, strengthening the Championships' regulatory and commercial frameworks. The FIA holds a unique place in global sport, and I am excited to support the FIA at this time and to help the FIA President deliver an even stronger future for motor sport.' According to the FIA, Rao's appointment comes at a time when the governing body 'continues its successful organisational transformation and financial reform, reflected in forecasted 2024 operation results of €2.2m in contrast to the -€24m that was inherited in 2021.' Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Also Read: Meanwhile, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem continues to face allegations of lacking transparency in decision-making. Recently, FIA Deputy President Robert Reid resigned along with a powerful statement in which he said, 'I have witnessed steady erosion of principles' as 'decisions are being made behind closed doors.'
