Latest news with #MohammedBenSulayem
Mid East Info
2 hours ago
- Automotive
- Mid East Info
MENA clubs back Ben Sulayem for second term as FIA president - Middle East Business News and Information
Regional officials say he has shown integrity, innovation, and courage in driving positive change on the world stage Dubai, UAE, 1st June, 2025: National motor sport and mobility authorities from across the MENA region have delivered another huge vote of confidence in Mohammed Ben Sulayem's leadership of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), and urged him to seek re-election as President. The 29 FIA member clubs have written to Ben Sulayem saying that his tenure 'has brought vital reforms across mobility and motorsport, marked by enhanced transparency, governance, sustainability, and inclusivity.' Backing him for a second term in office, they expressed confidence that this will 'further strengthen and modernize the organization for the benefit of all its members and stakeholders.' In a letter of support to Ben Sulayem, the clubs say: 'Your vision has helped bridge gaps, inspire unity, and empower regions like ours to contribute more meaningfully to the global FIA mission. 'We now feel equal as members of the FIA regardless of our size or location. We are proud to stand behind a leader from our region who has shown integrity, innovation, and courage in driving positive change on the world stage.' Among the senior regional officials to sign the letter were MENA FIA Vice President Mobility, Essa Hamza Al Failakawi from Kuwait, and FIA Vice President for Sport – MENA, Abdulla bin Issa Al Khalifa from Bahrain. The clubs told Ben Sulayem: 'The modernization of our institution and the strong emphasis you have placed on member engagement and regional development have greatly benefited our clubs and the communities we serve.' FIA President Ben Sulayem has responded by saying: 'I am deeply grateful for the trust and encouragement shown by the 29 Sport and Mobility Member Clubs from across the MENA region. 'This support holds special meaning for me, given my close connection to the region. I've seen firsthand the exceptional talent, commitment, and ambition that define the MENA community, and it is a true honour to have this backing. 'The work being done by clubs in both sport and mobility across the region reflects the core values of the FIA – from grassroots initiatives like the MENA Karting Cup to ongoing efforts in road safety and sustainable mobility. 'Together, we will continue to shape a stronger, more dynamic FIA – one that truly represents the strength, diversity, and potential of every region we serve.' The overwhelming support for Ben Sulayem from his home region quickly follows another powerful endorsement of his achievements as President delivered in a letter of support from 36 FIA member clubs across the Americas. Captions: FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem tells MENA members club: 'Together, we will continue to shape a stronger, more dynamic FIA.' FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem is being backed by MENA's FIA clubs for bringing vital reforms across mobility and motorsport. -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.
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
UAE's Ben Sulayem backed by clubs across Americas for second term as FIA chief
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), received a strong support for a second term at office. The Emirati motor sport legend, who recently declared his bid for a second four-year-term, received a letter of support from as many as 36 clubs from the Americas with Vice-Presidents for Sport in North and South America backing him to continue the good work as the head of the global governing body. Ben Sulayem, who succeeded Jean Todt as the FIA chief in December 2021, had led an incredible turnaround in the financial health of the motor sports' governing body. 'We are all acutely aware of the catastrophic financial situation you inherited. Without the decisive and bold actions you took from day one, the very future of the FIA would have been at risk," the letter said. '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. 'As club Presidents, we have personally felt and experienced the daily focus you and your leadership team have placed on supporting and engaging with us - the members - treating each of us with equal respect. This inclusive approach is deeply appreciated." The FIA has also adopted a more efficient and sustainable working practice under the leadership of Ben Sulayem, who won 14 Middle East Rally Championships in his career. 'We also recognise and commend the significant efforts made by you and your team to reposition the FIA as a global leader in both mobility and motorsport. The strength and reputation of the FIA brand have clearly grown as a result of your leadership,' the letter said. Ben Sulayem was 'honoured' by the support he has received from the Member Clubs. 'I remain committed to expanding motorsport participation through grassroots initiatives and accessibility programmes like the Affordable Cross Car and the Global Karting Plan," he said. 'At the same time, I continue to empower every region by leveraging the FIA's mobility expertise, reinforcing its central role in the automotive industry, and leading vital conversations around the future of sustainable cities, road safety, and intelligent transport systems. Together, we will continue to deliver a stronger FIA we can each be proud of." Until now, no rival candidate has been announced, but Carlos Sainz, a former world rally champion, is reportedly interested in contesting against Ben Sulayem. "Let him stand. That is democracy," Ben Sulayem told Reuters.
Mid East Info
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Mid East Info
Ben Sulayem backed to seek new FIA term by member clubs across Americas - Middle East Business News and Information
Club leaders send letter of support as 'brothers' commending President for achieving 'extraordinary' turnaround Dubai, UAE: Mohammed Ben Sulayem has received powerful backing to seek a second term of office as President of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) after achieving an 'extraordinary' turnaround in its fortunes. A letter of support from 36 FIA Region III & IV clubs encompassing the Americas, and the Vice Presidents for Sport – North and South America, has strongly urged Ben Sulayem to continue his work to secure the future of the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide. Representing clubs from across South and Central America, and Canada, and signed under the name of 'Hermanos' (brothers), the letter thanks the FIA President 'for your service, commitment, vision, and, above all, the delivery of your Manifesto promised to us, the members. It goes on to say: 'We are all acutely aware of the catastrophic financial situation you inherited. 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. The letter adds: 'As club Presidents, we have personally felt and experienced the daily focus you and your leadership team have placed on supporting and engaging with us – the members – treating each of us with equal respect. This inclusive approach is deeply appreciated. 'We also recognize and commend the significant efforts made by you and your team to reposition the FIA as a global leader in both mobility and motorsport. The strength and reputation of the FIA brand have clearly grown as a result of your leadership.' The Americas club presidents conclude their message to Ben Sulayem by saying: 'We understand that four years is a short time to complete the ambitious reforms you have initiated. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to seek re-election at the upcoming AGA, (FIA Annual General Assembly) so that you may continue the important work you have started, with our full support.' Among those to have signed the letter of support is Ricardo Morales Rubio, FIA Region IV (South America and Central America) President, and Fabiana Ecclestone, FIA Vice President for Sport – South America. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sualyem, said: 'I am honoured by the support I've received from across 36 Member Clubs in Regions III and IV. It is a privilege to be part of such a dedicated global community. 'My commitment remains steadfast: to lead a federation that puts its Member Clubs at the core of everything we do and to continue to deliver across my manifesto promises. 'I remain committed to expanding motorsport participation through grassroots initiatives and accessibility programs like the Affordable Cross Car and the Global Karting Plan. 'At the same time, I continue to empower every region by leveraging the FIA's mobility expertise, reinforcing its central role in the automotive industry, and leading vital conversations around the future of sustainable cities, road safety, and intelligent transport systems. Together, we will continue to deliver a stronger FIA we can each be proud of.' The FIA recently announced a pivotal turnaround in its financial health under the leadership of Ben Sulayem. At the end of the fiscal year 2024, the Fédération reported that is has achieved a robust operating result of € 4.7m, and an operating income of € 182.0m. This takes it from a considerable financial loss of €-24.0m in 2021, before Ben Sulayem was elected. Since Ben Sulayem's election as President in 2021, the organisation has undergone a comprehensive strategic transformation process, designed to radically improve internal systems and processes. The FIA has strengthened its teams, optimised its working practices and shifted to a more efficient and financially sustainable model. 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.
Arab News
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Arab News
Ben Sulayem backed to seek new FIA term
DUBAI: Mohammed Ben Sulayem is being backed to seek a second term of office as president of the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile after achieving an 'extraordinary' turnaround in its fortunes. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport A letter of support from 36 FIA Region III and IV clubs encompassing the Americas, and the vice presidents for sport in North and South America, strongly urges Ben Sulayem to continue his work to secure the future of the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide. Representing clubs from South America, Central America, and Canada, and signed under the name 'Hermanos' (brothers), the letter thanks the FIA president 'for your service, commitment, vision, and, above all, the delivery of your Manifesto promised to us, the members.' It goes on to say: 'We are all acutely aware of the catastrophic financial situation you inherited. 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. The letter adds: 'As club Presidents, we have personally felt and experienced the daily focus you and your leadership team have placed on supporting and engaging with us — the members — treating each of us with equal respect. This inclusive approach is deeply appreciated. 'We also recognize and commend the significant efforts made by you and your team to reposition the FIA as a global leader in both mobility and motorsport. The strength and reputation of the FIA brand have clearly grown as a result of your leadership.' The Americas club presidents conclude their message to Ben Sulayem by saying: 'We understand that four years is a short time to complete the ambitious reforms you have initiated. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to seek re-election at the upcoming AGA, (FIA Annual General Assembly) so that you may continue the important work you have started, with our full support.' Among those who signed the letter of support was Ricardo Morales Rubio, FIA Region IV (South America and Central America) president, and Fabiana Ecclestone, FIA vice president for sport — South America. The FIA recently announced a significant turnaround in its financial health under the leadership of Ben Sulayem. At the end of the fiscal year 2024, the federation reported that it had achieved a robust operating result of €4.7 million ($5.3 million), and an operating income of €182 million. This takes it from a considerable financial loss of €24 million in 2021, before Ben Sulayem was elected. Since Ben Sulayem's election as president in 2021, the organisation has undergone a strategic transformation process, designed to improve internal systems and processes. The FIA has strengthened its teams, optimised its working practices and shifted to a more efficient and financially sustainable model.
Daily Tribune
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Tribune
Ben Sulayem Returns, FIA Presidency Bid
TDT | Manama Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the FIA's outspoken president, has confirmed he'll run for a second four-year term in December's election. Speaking at the Monaco Grand Prix, the 63-year-old Emirati said he's determined to keep growing the sport and bolstering the FIA's influence, even as his first term has stirred plenty of debate. A Mission to Grow Motorsport Ben Sulayem, a former rally driver, insists his work at the FIA is far from done. 'Three years in a complex federation like the FIA is not enough,' he said, reflecting on his tenure since succeeding Jean Todt in 2021. He's proud of turning around the FIA's finances—a €4.7 million profit last year compared to a €24 million loss in 2021—and securing Cadillac as Formula One's 11th team for 2026. But he's not resting on his laurels, vowing to make the FIA 'stronger and stronger.' Controversies and Critics It hasn't been a smooth ride. Ben Sulayem's term has seen clashes with Formula One's commercial rights holder, Liberty Media, over deals he calls 'raw' for the FIA, which owns the championship. His crackdown on driver swearing, with hefty fines, has riled stars in F1 and rallying. Staff departures, including senior figures like Shaila-Ann Rao, sparked talk of an exodus, though Rao's return as an advisor has steadied the ship. Critics also point to statute changes that could curb the FIA's audit and ethics committees, raising questions about transparency. Open to a Challenge With no confirmed rival yet, Ben Sulayem welcomed the prospect of competition, including from twice world rally champion Carlos Sainz, father of the Ferrari F1 driver. 'Let him stand. That is democracy,' he said, brushing off concerns about potential conflicts of interest. The Emirati remains unfazed by detractors, claiming he's 'cleaned up the FIA house' and shrugging off negativity. 'I am the last one who cares what they say,' he added, focused on the FIA's 147 member organizations. Concorde Talks and Future Plans As a new Concorde Agreement between F1 stakeholders nears, Ben Sulayem says negotiations with Liberty Media are on track. His goal is clear: elevate the FIA's clout while expanding motorsport's reach. With the Bahrain Grand Prix a key fixture on the F1 calendar, his regional ties add a layer of influence, but it's his broader vision that will define his campaign. Key Takeaways Ben Sulayem seeks re-election to bolster FIA and motorsport Financial Recovery: FIA's €4.7m profit in 2024 reverses 2021's €24m loss He invites challengers like Sainz, supporting open competition You Know What? Ben Sulayem, the first non-European FIA president, has overseen the addition of Cadillac as F1's 11th team, a move initially resisted by the sport but backed by the FIA's 147 member organizations.
