Ex-rally driver Wilson nominated for FIA role

Former British rally driver and M-Sport team founder Malcolm Wilson has been nominated as the new deputy president of motorsport’s governing body, the FIA said on Wednesday.

The FIA, which governs Formula One as well as rallying, will vote on the nomination by president Mohammed Ben Sulayem at a meeting in Macao in June.

Wilson, 69, is the managing director of M-Sport, which has run Ford’s world rally championship programme since 1997.

He is set to fill the position vacated by fellow Briton Robert Reid, who resigned two weeks ago with a damning parting shot at Ben Sulayem.

Reid, who as co-driver helped Richard Burns to the 2001 world rally title, became the latest in a long line of high-profile figures to quit the FIA since Ben Sulayem’s appointment in 2021, including its sporting director, F1 technical director and head of the women in motorsport commission.

In a swipe at Ben Sulayem, Reid said motorsport “deserves leadership rooted in integrity, accountability, and respect for process”.

“That’s the minimum standard we should all expect, and demand,” he concluded.

The FIA issued a strong defence of itself in the wake of Reid’s departure.

“The FIA has exceptionally robust corporate governance policies which guide our operations and ensure our rules, practices and processes are adhered to,” a statement read.

Ben Sulayem’s time at the helm has been dogged by controversy, with drivers falling out with the FIA over its crackdown on swearing.