Gautam Singhania Bags A Seat In The FIA Council
The FIA Annual General Assembly called out representatives from across the globe in the world of motorsport in Paris on the 8th of December, 2017. Among the representatives was Gautam Singhania, Chairman & MD, Raymond Group who was one of the 14 members elected out of 22 nominees to gain a seat in the FIA. He won with a total of 82 votes and also stated that FMSCI (Federation of Motorsports Club of India) has been creating a major impact in the world of motor racing.
Gautam Singhania has also been an avid motorsports enthusiast in Indian motorsport securing the second position overall, in his maiden full season in Coppa Shell at the Ferrari Challenge Series EU 2015. He also secured 10 podiums overall in the Championship, including a maiden win at Mugello, Italy. He is India’s only drifting champion winning in the amateur category of the All Stars European Drift Championship held at Malta in September 2012. The event saw over 30 participants competing in an intense final which he won by the point difference of 2.5. He also holds a significant record for being the only Asian and Indian to have participated and won.
The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile or the FIA is an association established as the Association Internationale des Automobile Clubs Reconnus (AIACR) on 20 June 1904 to represent the interests of motoring organizations and motor car users. To the general public, the FIA is mostly known as the governing body for many auto racing events. The FIA also promotes road safety around the world.
“I am elated and excited to be elected like this. It’s a privilege and honour for me and I will do my best,” Mr. Singhania said, shortly after his victory. “I thank the members of the FMSCI for their support. I am a driver and an enthusiast so I understand the issues that need to be addressed,” he added.
Akbar Ebrahim, President of the FMSCI, was named as the Deputy Titular and will represent India in the World Motor Sports Council along with Mr. Singhania. As many as 17 out of 20 nominated members were also co-opted in various FIA Sporting Commissions to give a strong say in world motorsport.
“I am really glad that Mr. Gautam Singhania has been elected. It gives us great satisfaction to note that an Indian will be a board member of the FIA World Motor Sports Council. I would like to thank Mr. Jean Todt, President FIA, and all the FIA General Assembly members for all the support extended to India, the FMSCI and to Mr. Gautam Singhania.” Said Akbar Ebrahim.
“It is also a matter of pride that 17 of our nominated members have been co-opted in various FIA Sporting Commissions. This is the highest Indian representation in the FIA till date,” he added.
The World Motor Sports Council consists of 14 members, apart from the seven Vice-Presidents and one Deputy President. It deals with all the FIA global sporting matters for all its sporting disciplines and the term for the elected members is for four years. This has also given hope to Indian motorsports as FMSCI (Federation of Motorsports Club of India) president Akbar Ebrahim would represent the country in the World Motor Sports Council along with Gautam Singhania.
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