The FIA logo - Photo: Race Pictures

Rival of FIA President Ben Sulayem threatens with legal action

08:25, 10 Oct

Updated: 10:03, 10 Oct

byKada Sarkozi

FIA Presidential candidate Laura Villars has raised concerns about the federation’s electoral process, with 'legal and judicial options under consideration.'

"All options - including legal and judicial ones - therefore remain under consideration to ensure that these principles are fully respected, in line with the FIA’s status as a French law non-profit association."

- Laura Villars

Villars, who announced her candidacy in September, has raised questions about the FIA’s election process. She explained that independent legal opinions also support her claims..

“Formal exchanges are currently ongoing between my legal team and the FIA Administration, as the current electoral procedure raises legitimate concerns of conformity with the FIA statutes," Villars said, as changes have been made to the electoral process throughout the year.

“Independent legal opinions obtained by my team also confirm that several recent procedural changes are inconsistent with the statutes and must be corrected."

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She continued: “In accordance with Article 1.3 of the FIA statutes, the Federation must uphold the highest standards of governance, transparency and democracy.

“All options - including legal and judicial ones - therefore remain under consideration to ensure that these principles are fully respected, in line with the FIA’s status as a French law non-profit association.

“As candidates, we share a collective responsibility to ensure that the FIA remains a beacon of transparency and democracy - principles that are the foundation of its legitimacy and global credibility.”

Ben Sulayem at the British Grand Prix in Silverstone - Photo: Race Pictures

New twist can hand Ben Sulayem re-election?

As of this week, the World Motor Sport Council released the list of candidates eligible to become to be part of the presidential list.

Vice Presidents have to come from different regions. Out of the 29 candidates, a single one is from South America, Fabiana Ecclestone, who is the wife of former F1 Supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

She is a supporter of current President Mohammed Ben Sulayem as well, but in general, a single person can only be on the a single candidate's list, which could lead to the Emirati running unopposed later on this year, in spite of having three candidates running as well: Villars, Tim Mayer, Virginie Philippot.

Ben Sulayem is running for his second term in office.

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Despite her concerns, Villars is 'determined' to continue her campaign, and "confident that a fair and transparent outcome will prevail."

The FIA elections will take place on 12 December in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

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