Saudi Arabia Confirm Vote for Vatanen in FIA Elections

It seems that Ari Vatanen's strategy of trying to develop motor racing activities in the Middle East – if or when he'll become president of the International Automobile Federation – has paid off, as the former WRC champion recently received another vote of confidence from a member of the FIA.

According to a statement from the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation (SAMF), Ari Vatanen can count on at least one more vote for the presidential elections this month. SAMF president Mishaal Al-Sudairy admitted that, while agreeing with the guidelines suggested by Vatanen in his election agenda, he was also enthused with the Finn's vision over the Middle East in terms of motor racing development.

“We reached the decision that the policies to be followed by Ari Vatanen and HRH Prince Feisal fitted better with the future plans of the ambitious Saudi Arabian Motor Federation and we will support Ari Vatanen in the election. We are looking forward to working behind the new president in a unified FIA,” said Al-Sudairy in a statement.

“After meeting with Ari Vatanen, we realised that the rumour that he was going to give more voting power to larger clubs was totally unfounded. Only the General Assembly can change the detail of the voting system.”

“Ari has built up a strong support team and we feel that the members of that group better suit the requirements of the sport's governing body and the best interests of motor sport across the globe. I am also satisfied with Ari's and (proposed vice-president) HRH Prince Feisal's vision for motor sport and mobility in the Middle East region,” added the SAMF official.