Tim Mayer, a prominent figure in the motorsport world, is set to announce his candidacy for the presidency of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). The announcement will take place on Friday morning near Silverstone, the iconic venue hosting this weekend's British Grand Prix. Mayer, 59, will challenge the current FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, in the upcoming December election.

Mayer, the son of McLaren co-founder Teddy Mayer, brings a wealth of experience to the table. He has held significant roles in Champ Car, IMSA, and the American Le Mans Series, and has served as a steward in various FIA championships, including Formula 1, for over 15 years. His candidacy is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the governance of motorsport.

The Road to Candidacy

FIA presidential campaign rules mandate that candidates assemble a full team of officials to fill various roles in their prospective administration. Mayer's right to stand will be scrutinized by the FIA Nominations Committee, which reports directly to the incumbent president. Despite the challenges, insiders close to Mayer have expressed confidence in his ability to secure the necessary support.

A History of Conflict

Mayer's relationship with Ben Sulayem has been contentious. Last year, Mayer was dismissed from his role as a steward after representing the Circuit of the Americas in a 'right of review' hearing. The hearing followed a fine imposed on the circuit due to a crowd invasion at the 2022 US Grand Prix. Mayer later revealed that Ben Sulayem perceived elements of the hearing as a personal attack.

A New Direction for FIA?

Mayer's candidacy comes at a time when the FIA is under scrutiny for its governance and decision-making processes. His extensive experience and deep-rooted connections within the motorsport community could pave the way for a new era of leadership. The outcome of the December election will undoubtedly shape the future of motorsport governance.

How to Follow the British Grand Prix

For those eager to follow the action at Silverstone, the BBC will provide live commentary of practice and qualifying on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2, with race coverage on BBC Radio 5 Live. Live text updates will also be available on the BBC Sport website and app.

As the motorsport world watches closely, the announcement of Mayer's candidacy marks a significant moment in the ongoing evolution of the FIA. The December election promises to be a pivotal event, with the potential to redefine the landscape of global motorsport.