Mohammed Ben Sulayem set for FIA presidency challenger

Mohammed Ben Sulayem will not be running for re-election as FIA president unopposed, it has emerged, with a challenger set to declare their candidacy imminently. RacingNews365 understands that person will be former FIA steward Tim Mayer, who was relieved of his duties last November. The American is due to announce his bid to succeed incumbent Ben Sulayem at the helm of the motorsport governing body at a press conference near Silverstone, where the British Grand Prix is being held this weekend, on the morning of Friday, July 4. Mayer's right to stand in the election will be subject to scrutiny from the FIA nominations committee, which answers to Ben Sulayem. However, it is believed the 59-year-old has the required support to stand. Under the governing body's campaign rules, a candidate must have potential officials for a wide range of positions in their would-be administration already lined up before having their candidacy given the green light. Carlos Sainz Sr., father of Williams driver and GPDA (Grand Prix Drivers' Association) director Carlos Sainz Jr., did look set to run against Ben Sulayem, only for the two-time WRC champion to opt not to stand. Mayer comes from a rich motorsport background, with his father Teddy having been McLaren boss from Bruce McLaren's death in 1970 until 1982, when he left the position of joint managing director, a role he shared at the time with Ron Dennis.