Mohammed Ben Sulayem nominates rally legend Malcolm Wilson to succeed Robert Reid at FIA

Days after Deputy President for Sport Robert Reid resigned from the FIA over a lack of transparency in the organisation, the governing body’s president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, has nominated former British rally driver and M-Sport owner Malcolm Wilson to fill the vacant post. The 69-year-old will be appointed only after voting by FIA members at the FIA’s Extraordinary General Assemblies and Conference in Macau in June.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem on appointing Malcolm Wilson for FIA deputy president for Sport

On Malcolm Wilson’s nomination for the FIA Deputy President post, Mohammed Ben Sulayem said in a statement, “Malcolm has had a distinguished career in global motorsport. For over 40 years he has competed at the highest level both as a driver and technical partner to teams. This experience will be invaluable to the FIA and our member clubs as we continue to grow grassroots and professional motorsport, driving innovation in the sport to benefit fans, drivers and teams.”
Sharing his happiness about his nomination, Wilson said in a statement: “The FIA has played a central role in my career, and I very much look forward to supporting the president and all the FIA family in its important mission. There has never been a more exciting time to be in motorsport, and I know first-hand the benefits the sport brings to families and communities across the world.”
“I look forward to working with the president for the duration of his current term of office, bringing our sport to new audiences and ensuring we deliver the very best championships for all our competitors,” he added.

Who is Malcolm Wilson?

Malcolm Wilson won the British Rally Championship title as a Ford driver in 1994. As the owner of the M-Sport team and constructor, he has also been the force behind many rally winners and championship drivers.
Wilson also holds several royal honors. He was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2009. He was also honoured with the V Class Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana for his services to Estonian motorsport, playing a pivotal role in the success of Markko Märtin and Ott Tänak.
Also Read: FIA deputy president Robert Reid resigns, says “I have witnessed steady erosion of principles”
Robert Reid, a 2001 World Rally Champion, shared a hard-hitting note citing the reasons for his resignation. It read: “When I took on this role, it was to serve the FIA’s members; not to serve power. Over time, I have witnessed a steady erosion of the principles we promised to uphold. Decisions are being made behind closed doors, bypassing the very structures and people the FIA exists to represent.”