Tim Mayer has withdrawn from the race to become FIA president, after failing to receive the sufficient support required to challenge incumbent Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
The American, who launched his campaign in July, has been present at virtually every Grand Prix since, in a bid to gain the backing that would see him make it onto the ballot.
But, given the rules of the contest, Mayer, running under the FIA Forward moniker, is unable to continue, which gives Ben Sulayem the likelihood that he will run unopposed.
“Under the FIA statutes governing the structure of the election, each prospective candidate must submit by October 24 a Presidential List to include one Vice President for Sport from every global region,” the FIA Forward’s statement explained.
“Those Vice Presidents must be drawn from the names nominated for positions on the World Motor Sport Council, a list that is already 27% smaller than at the last election. If there is only one representative from a particular region, and that person has already declared support for the incumbent, then any presidential candidate is left without a chance of standing for election.”
Mayer vows to continue quest for ‘fairness’ in the FIA
In the statement, Mayer voiced his displeasure at the outcome, vowing to continue his campaign for fairness, despite his presidential campaign being over.
“Quite simply, there is no choice,” Mayer rued.
“There will be no vote between ideas, no contest of visions, no test of leadership. There will be only one candidate and that’s not democracy — that’s the illusion of democracy.
“So the real campaign continues. For every club that still believes fairness matters; for every sport and mobility club that seeks equal access to information, funding, and opportunity; for every participant who believes the FIA should support them, not compete with them.
“We will continue to speak out for those who cannot and we will not rest until every Member Club feels free to speak for itself.
“Across our extensive travels around the globe, many Member Clubs told me “We want to speak, but we can’t.” They fear losing projects, funding, or recognition if they question the current system and that’s why FIA Forward must persist — not for power, but for principle.
“So, while the rules of the election mean that there will be no election, our cause continues. Our campaign is not over, it is just entering a new phase.
“We will keep driving the FIA forward until democracy, service, and partnership are not just words in a statute, but the living values that define our Federation every day and we can bring into being the changes the FIA so desperately needs.”
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