Carlos Sainz Sr drops out of FIA presidency race

Carlos Sainz Sr has introduced he won’t run in opposition to Mohammed Ben Sulayem for the FIA presidency.

The 2-time World Rally Championship champion had been contemplating placing his hat within the ring to contest Ben Sulayem within the election later this yr – however has now confirmed he won’t be a candidate.

Motorsport.com broke the information in Might that the Dakar winner, 63, was mulling over a marketing campaign to topple the present management.

Nevertheless, a letter signed by 36 race golf equipment got here out in help of Ben Sulayem, whose reign as FIA president continues to be marred with controversy, the most recent of which noticed sustainability, range and inclusion director Sara Mariani made redundant final week.

Sainz pointed to the “current circumstances” not suiting a run in opposition to Ben Sulayem and the Spaniard additionally highlighted his ongoing Dakar commitments.

“Hello everybody, this message is to publicly affirm that I’ve lastly determined to not run for the presidency of the FIA on this yr’s election,” he posted in an open letter on social media.

“I’ve labored onerous these previous months to grasp in depth the scenario on the FIA and the calls for and complexities that include such an essential challenge. After a considerate reflection, I’ve come to the conclusion that the current circumstances aren’t ultimate to set the grounds for my candidacy.

“Moreover, I’ve realised that correctly working for President would notably compromise my preparation for the Dakar and I don’t want to weaken my dedication to Ford and my workforce. These issues have subsequently inclined me to be sensible and desist from my FIA endeavour for now.

“Regardless of stepping down from this race, my ardour for serving and main throughout the Motorsport world hasn’t modified and I nonetheless consider the organisation wants essential adjustments, which I stay genuinely hopeful that will likely be tackled within the upcoming years.

“Each racing and mobility have been my life and I’ll carefully observe future developments with nice curiosity. I’ll at all times help my sport and attempt to contribute in all significant methods to enhance mobility for highway customers around the globe.

“Lastly, I need to sincerely thanks all for the messages of help, encouragement and recommendation I’ve obtained in the course of the previous weeks. They’ve strengthened my confidence to proceed striving in direction of my current and future targets and I’m actually grateful. Thanks. Carlos Sainz.”

As issues stand, it seems to be as if Ben Sulayem will run uncontested as he seeks one other time period within the FIA hotseat since beginning the function in 2021. 

He has been within the motorsport information recently for plenty of controversial choices, together with overseeing a string of key figures leaving the governing physique, barring FIA members from conferences and upsetting drivers by banning swearing.