Graham Stoker has launched a bid to replace current FIA president Jean Todt, who will step down following the conclusion of his third and final term at the head of motorsports governing body.
Stoker will go up against FIA vice president for mobility and sport, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who announced his own presidency campaign in March under the ‘FIA for Members’ slogan.
Stoker, a British barrister, currently holds the position of FIA deputy president under Todt and has been in that position for 12 years.
Stoker has appointed nine-time Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen as his candidate for deputy president for sport alongside Belgium’s Thierry Willemarck, who is standing to continue as deputy president for mobility; and New Zealand’s Brian Gibbons, who is standing to continue as president of the FIA senate.
“We stand for an FIA for All, across sport and mobility, safety and sustainability, competition and trusted services,” Stoker said in a media release. “An all-inclusive FIA that welcomes and works for every motor sport competitor and road user worldwide regardless of race, nationality and gender.
“An FIA that faces future challenges and that plays an important role on the global stage.
“Our member clubs, both Mobility and Motor Sport, are at the heart of our 117-year-old Federation and it has always been our key priority to support and develop our clubs. But also to reach out to our motor sport stakeholders and supporters across the globe, our volunteers, competitors, teams, promoters, and our unique industry, as well as the great many motorists who rely on our services worldwide.
“I want the FIA and our Member Clubs to gain global influence across all aspects of sport, and mobility, emerging transport and energy trends.
“We will build on the outstanding work of President Jean Todt over the last 12 years and are proud to have been able to help introduce many new innovative programs and resources to support Members and have assisted the President in developing our Clubs and building the FIA into a strong, respected and influential international organisation.
“Our core belief is an FIA for All which will continue to strengthen our Federation – for our Members, our Sport and our Society.”
“We will build on the outstanding work of President Jean Todt over the last 12 years ”
Those 12 years that have left us with overweight cars that cannot overtake, engines so complex that new manufacturers won’t join, and a new petrol engine planned just as the world goes electric. Bravo Jean!