Mohammed Ben Sulayem Reelected Unopposed as FIA President

Mohammed Ben Sulayem was reelected unopposed Friday as president of the FIA, the governing body for international auto racing, securing a second four-year term at the organization's General Assembly in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

The vote, held on December 12, extended Ben Sulayem's leadership through the end of 2029. The Emirati rally driver, who became the FIA's first non-European president in 2021 upon succeeding Jean Todt, faced no challengers after potential rivals withdrew their candidacies. Candidates must submit a slate including vice-presidential nominees from the FIA's six global regions, a requirement that proved insurmountable for opponents. Only one eligible candidate from South America, Fabiana Ecclestone of Brazil, was available, and she supported Ben Sulayem's ticket.

Initial challengers included American Tim Mayer, a former FIA steward, and Swiss racer Laura Villars. Mayer had criticized the process in October, calling it undemocratic. Villars, who also considered a bid, has pursued legal action in France to challenge the election rules. Her attorney, Robin Binsard, stated that a French court acknowledged irregularities for examination, with a hearing scheduled for...