Malcolm Wilson appointed as FIA Deputy president for sport

Malcom Wilson will take up the post of FIA Deputy president for sport following a vote at the FIA’s Extraordinary General Assembly in Macau.

Wilson was nominated to take the position by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem in April after Robert Reid, the 2001 World Rally Championship co-driver champion, resigned from the role citing a ‘standards breakdown’ at the FIA.

The FIA has today confirmed that an overwhelming majority of voters were in favour of electing Wilson into the position.

Wilson is a leading figure in British motorsport and big hitter in the world of rallying, both as a driver and entrepreneur. His long relationship with Ford netted him the British Rally Championship crown in 1994.

Wilson also set up the M-Sport operation that has run Ford’s World Rally programme since 1997. The team won the WRC title for manufacturers in 2006, 2007 and 2017.

M-Sport latterly ran Bentley's Continental GT3 racing programme that netted victory in the 2020 Bathurst 12 Hours, and has supplied the TOCA engine to the British Touring Car Championship since 2022.

Mohammed ben Sulayem, FIA President

Photo by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images

Wilson was awarded the Order of the British Empire in HM The Queen’s birthday honours list in 2009 for services to motorsport.

“I am delighted to take on the role as FIA Deputy President for Sport,” said Wilson.

“As the Federation pushes forward with its mission to advance motorsport and develop grassroots initiatives, I look forward to playing a part in helping to shape the future of the sport we love and working with the President to continue growing and strengthening our championships.”

FIA President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, added: “The role of Deputy President for Sport is absolutely integral to our organisation, and one that Malcolm Wilson brings a wealth of experience to.

“Having competed for over 40 years at the highest level, both as a driver and technical partner to teams, his expertise will be invaluable to the FIA and our Member Organisations.

“I am delighted to welcome Malcolm to the Federation and look forward to working with him to grow motorsport at every level.”