On 12 December, the FIA presidential election will happen in Uzbekistan, and ever since Carlos Sainz Sr withdrew his intention to run, it was set to be a head-to-head between incumbent Mohammed Ben Sulayem and challenger Tim Mayer.
However, out of the blue this week, a shock candidate declared her intention to run for FIA presidency: Laura Villars, a 28-year-old Italian-Swiss from Geneva.
In her press launch, Villars said that she needs the FIA to be “extra democratic, extra clear, extra accountable” and “open to ladies and new generations.” She added: “I strongly consider that motorsport wants variety and innovation to maintain inspiring youthful generations worldwide.”
Villars’ public profile has skyrocketed over the previous 48 hours following the announcement. Main retailers throughout the globe have picked up the story, together with her social media following gaining a lift within the course of.
The FIA has said that Villars has not but formally declared her intention to run. Official nominations open on 3 October and she or he has till 24 October to submit her candidacy alongside together with her presidential checklist – primarily her would-be cupboard on the FIA.
That checklist should embrace 10 members: a senate president, a deputy president for sport, a deputy president for mobility and tourism, plus seven vice presidents for sport. As well as, any candidate wants the backing of a number of member golf equipment to be eligible.
FIA flag
Picture by: Eric Gilbert
“I am speaking now with all of the golf equipment, particularly Europe,” Villars informed Motorsport.com sister website Motorsport-Complete.com, including: “All of the golf equipment that may assist me will likely be introduced within the subsequent weeks. I am not in a position now to inform names. However I am speaking with loads of them.”
Villars additionally recounted her racing background, together with stints in Components 4 and the Ferrari Problem within the Center East. “I am completely in motorsports since few years now. And since I am in motorsport, I observed just a few issues that I needed to vary a bit.”
A part of these adjustments is strengthening the function of girls in motorsport, Villars stated: “I all the time militate for ladies. And I actually respect ladies like Susie Wolf about what she did with F1 Academy. I actually respect additionally Michele Mouton. She was an enormous driver additionally previously. And all these ladies which might be breaking obstacles. And for me, these days, I believe it is the time to interrupt obstacles, particularly as a girl and as a youngster additionally.”
However her announcement has been met with questions, as one insider talking anonymously, put it: “Inside the FIA setting, there aren’t many competent individuals who can actually assist with such a marketing campaign. I’ve spoken to a few of these folks, and none of them know Laura Villars. I discover it onerous to think about she will be able to put collectively an expert crew.”
Villars insists, nonetheless, that she won’t stand alone: “I come right here with a full and an enormous crew round me, folks which might be a lot older, way more skilled than me, and which have all of the capacities. I’ve my full programme, and they’re going to see the checklist in just a few weeks. So, I’ve nothing to show.”
When requested if she actually believes she has an opportunity of being elected FIA president, she replied: “Sure, after all. The checklist and the programme will likely be introduced within the subsequent days. My candidacy could be very severe, and all of the factors that I discussed will likely be revealed on-line. I do not need to clarify extra about it, as a result of I believe folks do not perceive. However I’ve all my crew behind.”
Laura Villars
Picture by: Laura Villars
Since saying her FIA ambitions, her Instagram following has grown by round 10,000, whereas the profile hyperlinks to her personal YouTube channel that to date has 5 movies uploaded since early August. One among them has already racked up greater than half one million views.
Such social profiles do little to dispel suspicions that this is perhaps extra about self-promotion than a severe marketing campaign. However on LinkedIn, Villars presents herself as a profitable entrepreneur and founder or co-founder of three firms: Villars Racing Administration, the LSVM Group, and Starimmobilier.
As a lot as it could profit the FIA to lastly have a girl at its helm, the chances of Villars rallying sufficient assist to mount a severe problem to Ben Sulayem and Mayer seem small at this stage. However ought to she observe via together with her candidacy, on the very least she may have confirmed improper those that dismissed her announcement.
