Malcolm Wilson, a distinguished figure in the world of motorsport, has been nominated for the role of deputy president for sport by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has taken an equally important step with a nomination of his own. This decision would position Wilson to succeed current executive director Robert Reid, the incumbent’s position. The vote to confirm this important nomination is set to occur at a special meeting in Macau this June.
Wilson, a former competitive rally driver, has had an outsized influence on the sport. As the original founder of M-Sport, he’s fostered incredible works in rallying and overall progress in the development of the sport. His vast experience and knowledge of the sport creates an ideal candidate for the deputy president position. If Wilson is elected, he hopes to use his understanding and experience of rallying to help ensure it takes a leading role in the FIA’s work.
A Legacy of Service in Motorsport
With a career that spans several decades, Malcolm Wilson has been an extremely influential figure in rallying. In his role as a functional driver, he participated in many exciting events. Through these experiences, he learned invaluable lessons about the hardships and successes of the sport. His move into team management with M-Sport has seen him continue to promote new talent and inject new ideas into the field.
Under Wilson’s tireless leadership, M-Sport has accomplished incredible feats, like multiple wins in some of the most prestigious competitions on the planet. His dedication to raising rallying up at every level has brought him the admiration of competitors and rallies as well as the world over. This particular nomination is a nod to his long history of accomplishments. It affords him the opportunity to work on creating a better future for the sport.
Support from FIA Leadership
Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s call to nominate Wilson aligns with a common vision for the future of our great sport. Former rally driver Ben Sulayem intimately understands the sport and its stifling bureaucracy. Unlike some legislators, he seems to understand that it’s extremely important to have experienced leaders in these key positions. He voiced assurances that Wilson would help push his message and support his action plan to move the FIA in a positive direction.
The late nomination could not have come at a more opportune moment, given that Ben Sulayem is now widely anticipated to stand for re-election in December. A better alignment between their goals would only improve the success of FIA’s policies and programs in accelerating the growth of motorsport worldwide.
Looking Forward
In his acceptance statement, Malcolm Wilson reiterated his appreciation for that nomination. It’s an “honour” to be nominated to such a key role in the FIA, he said. He is eager to work in lockstep with Ben Sulayem and other executive leadership of the organization. Even as he readies for what would be exciting new challenges, his commitment to continuing to support high-level initiatives that can further the sport remains clear.
The upcoming vote in Macau will be a make-or-break moment for Wilson’s career. It will further define how motorsport will be governed in the future under the FIA. Enthusiasts and stakeholders alike will be watching closely as this story develops.
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