David Ward Pulls Out of FIA Presidential Race

David Ward will not be running in the FIA Presidential campaign after pulling out because of a lack of support.

Ward failed to secure enough support to be considered for nomination and the FIA Foundation director will not be able to replace current President Jean Todt.

The Briton announced he would run in August and has been vocally against the election process in the past.

The latest development means that Todt is likely to run unopposed and whilst Ward congratulated him, he also stressed the importance of changing the election process.

“For many years the FIA has struggled with governance reform,” said Ward. “All too often it takes one step forward and then two steps back.

“This is clear from the current election which is being run on a shorter presidential list than 2009 but which is offset by a new requirement for 26 nominating clubs.

“The 2009 eligibility threshold was 23 but has now risen to 37 which is the highest ever in the history of the FIA.

“The need to obtain seven Vice Presidents for Sport has given control over whether or not there can be a contested election at all to the FIA’s sport regions.

“Moreover the use of support agreements in advance of the election makes it very hard for any candidate to obtain the required Vice Presidents for their list.

“In the FIA’s North American region eleven out of the twelve clubs signed an agreement to support Jean Todt in March. This left only one club available to provide a Vice President for my list.

“Clubs from the region that are sympathetic to my candidacy would have to break their previous pledge of support. It is understandable that they have been reluctant to do so.”

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