FIA presidential candidate David Ward has kickstarted his campaign by launching a website containing his manifesto, which he calls an ‘Agenda for Change.’
He has also written to member clubs in order to garner the support he needs to be formally nominated as a candidate for the December election.
In the letter, he explains why he is standing: “Over the last year I have been approached by a wide range of FIA stakeholders encouraging me to be a candidate. The role of President of the FIA has not been something I have wanted or envisaged for myself. My preferred option is for a club President to serve as President of the FIA. Indeed it has been a long time since a club leader has also led the FIA. However, in the absence of another candidate I am interested to stand to promote an agenda of further governance reform.
“Under the leadership of both Max Mosley and Jean Todt there has been continual progress in shaping the FIA to meet the challenge it faces in a rapidly changing world. Jean Todt’s Presidency has solid achievements to highlight and I am still proud to have played a key role in his successful 2009 election. However, that does not mean that further change isn’t necessary to ensure that the FIA develops a governance system that meets global best practices.”
Requesting nominations, he says: “For my candidacy to be confirmed by mid-November I will need to have obtained nominations from 26 clubs, comprising nine ACNs, ten mobility clubs, and seven ASNs. I would be honoured, therefore, if your club would consider nominating me as a candidate for the position of FIA President for the election to be held on December 6th 2013.”
He concludes: “I passionately believe that the FIA has an important role to play as the defender of motorists and motor sport participants and as the guardian of safe and fair competition on road and track. All I would ask is for a fair hearing for the governance reforms that I believe are necessary to strengthen the effectiveness, transparency, and accountability of the FIA so that it can better serve the interests of its membership.”
More on his campaign can be found at: http://www.davidwardandteam2009.com.
Adam Cooper F1 