Carlos Sainz decides against FIA presidency run

Carlos Sainz Sr. has announced that it will not be applied for the president of the FIA ​​in this year’s elections, since “current circumstances are not ideal for establishing the reasons for my candidacy.”

The two -champion World Rally champion spoke of his interest in challenging Mohammed Ben Sulayem last month, and the elections will take place in December. He addressed the conflict concerns related to his son, the Williams driver, Carlos Sainz, but long after making his intention public, changes were made in the FIA ​​statutes that presented a deadline a date of sources, and also.

The BBC was the first to inform a change of statute that states that “there must be nothing in the registration of the candidates who represent the elections as members of the presidential list that questions their professional integrity.”

The proposals were confirmed two weeks ago through a vote in the General Assembly of the FIA, and although Sainz Sr. also refers to his own rally career as a central one for his decision, he says that he still feels that changes in the FIA ​​are needed.

“I have worked hard for the thesis of the months to understand in depth the situation in the FIA ​​and the demands and complexities that an such important project entails,” said Sainz SR in a statement.

“After a reflexive reflection, I have concluded that current circumstances are not ideal for establishing the reasons for my candidacy.

“In addition, I have realized that appropriately running for the president I would not have commitment to my preparation for the Dakar and I do not want to awaken my commitment to Ford and my team. Therefore, these Conerns have inclined me to be realistic and give up my FIA effort.

“Despite giving up this career, my passion to serve and lead within the world of motoring has not changed and I still believe that the organization needs important changes, which is still really hopeful will be addressed in the coming years.

“Both races and mobility have been my life and I will closely follow future developments with great interest. I will always support my sport and try to contribute in all significant ways to improve mobility for road users around the world.

“Finally, I want to sincerely thank everyone for the messages of support, encouragement and advice that I have received the duration in recent weeks. They have reinforced my confidence to continue fighting my present and future goals with trailers.”

Sainz SR’s decision means that Ben Sulayem is scheduled to operate without opposition in the December elections.