Mayer's target is for FIA to build 'solid foundation'

The glitz and glamour and the sheer commercial might of Formu-Ja One may be commonly viewed as the pinnacle of motor sport, but International Automobile Federation (FIA) presidential hopeful Tim Mayer rejects the idea of a pyramid where member associations rely heavily on benefits from Fl flowing to the bottom.

- David Lee Senior Sports Correspondent

If he manages to oust Emirati incumbent Mohammed Ben Sulayem in the Dec 12 election, the 59-year-old American said that he wants to build a “solid foundation” that can house and support global motor sport aspirations while promoting safe, sustainable and accessible mobility for road users.

“The only people that live in pyramids are dead pharaohs,” he told The Straits Times in an interview at the JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach on Oct 3, on the sidelines of the Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix.

“The FIA needs to provide a foundation, and then each of the member clubs need to be able to build their house on top of that solid foundation. If we can do that, we're going to be successful.

“If we're thinking always about this pyramid structure, that the FIA can trickle down the benefits of motor sport, we'll never really nourish the bottom.