FIA president receives further backing as Carlos Sainz bid suffers blow

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has received further backing in his bid to win re-election, as Carlos Sainz's candidacy hit a further blow.

On Thursday morning, a document which has been seen by RacingNews365, emerged showing that Ben Sulayem had the support of the Americas region and their national motorsport associations for his re-election bid this December. 

Signatures included FIA vice-president for sport for South America, Fabiana Ecclestone, wife of ex-F1 boss Bernie. 

The support of the 37 motor clubs is important as it is they who ultimately vote for the presidency, due to take place on December 12th in Uzbekistan. 

Following news of this letter, the flood-gates appear to have been opened, with the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region as well as the remainder of Africa following in their support for Ben Sulayem's bid for a second term. 

The document from the MENA region states that: 'In light of your achievements and the strong momentum you have built, we, the MENA FIA clubs, offer you our full and united support.

"We firmly encourage you to seek re-election for a second term of President of the FIA, confident that your continued leadership with further strengthen and modernise the organisation for the benefit of all its members and stakeholders."

A key pledge of Ben Sulayem's manifesto in 2021 was to return power to the FIA member clubs after the Jean Todt administration, but the former rally driver's term has been hit with controversy at times.

His deputy president, Robert Reid, quit, as did CEO Natalie Robyn, both with sharp criticisms of how Ben Sulayem was running the FIA. 

After it emerged he was seeking to modify the rules around presidential elections, two-time world rally champion Sainz emerged as a potential candidate to stand against Ben Sulayem.

Whilst Sainz can continue with his bid if he so wishes, right up until the election, the endorsements Ben Sulayem has received from the Americas, MENA, and Africa, make it likely he will be re-elected.