DUBAI: Mohammed Ben Sulayem is being backed to seek a second term of office as president of the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile after achieving an “extraordinary” turnaround in its fortunes.

A letter of support from 36 FIA Region III and IV clubs encompassing the Americas, and the vice presidents for sport in North and South America, strongly urges Ben Sulayem to continue his work to secure the future of the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide.

Representing clubs from South America, Central America, and Canada, and signed under the name “Hermanos” (brothers), the letter thanks the FIA president “for your service, commitment, vision, and, above all, the delivery of your Manifesto promised to us, the members.”

It goes on to say: “We are all acutely aware of the catastrophic financial situation you inherited. Without the decisive and bold actions you took from day one, the very future of the FIA would have been at risk.

“The turnaround achieved in less than four years is nothing short of extraordinary, especially when coupled with the implementation of professional management systems that you deployed in parallel.

The letter adds: “As club Presidents, we have personally felt and experienced the daily focus you and your leadership team have placed on supporting and engaging with us — the members — treating each of us with equal respect. This inclusive approach is deeply appreciated.

“We also recognize and commend the significant efforts made by you and your team to reposition the FIA as a global leader in both mobility and motorsport. The strength and reputation of the FIA brand have clearly grown as a result of your leadership.” 

The Americas club presidents conclude their message to Ben Sulayem by saying: “We understand that four years is a short time to complete the ambitious reforms you have initiated. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to seek re-election at the upcoming AGA, (FIA Annual General Assembly) so that you may continue the important work you have started, with our full support.”

Among those who signed the letter of support was Ricardo Morales Rubio, FIA Region IV (South America and Central America) president, and Fabiana Ecclestone, FIA vice president for sport — South America.

The FIA recently announced a significant turnaround in its financial health under the leadership of Ben Sulayem. At the end of the fiscal year 2024, the federation reported that it had achieved a robust operating result of €4.7 million ($5.3 million), and an operating income of €182 million. This takes it from a considerable financial loss of €24 million in 2021, before Ben Sulayem was elected.

Since Ben Sulayem’s election as president in 2021, the organisation has undergone a strategic transformation process, designed to improve internal systems and processes. The FIA has strengthened its teams, optimised its working practices and shifted to a more efficient and financially sustainable model.

MONACO: Lando Norris shrugged off his gremlins and revived his world championship bid on Saturday when he became the fastest driver in the history of the Monaco Grand Prix to claim pole position for Sunday’s classic race.

Driving with impeccable judgment, pace and purpose, the 25-year-old Briton clocked a best lap in one minute and 9.954 seconds to outpace local hero and last year’s winner Charles Leclerc of Ferrari by 0.109.

It was the first time any driver had lapped the sinuous barrier-lined Mediterranean street circuit in less than 70 seconds and came only seconds after Leclerc had appeared to have secured his fourth Monaco pole position.

For Norris it was his first Monaco pole, his second this year and the 11th of his career — and a critical advantage for the slowest and shortest circuit of the season where only 10 drivers have won from lower than third on the grid since 1950.

While a disappointed Leclerc lamented traffic that hampered his first flying run, affecting his overall rhythm, Norris was buoyant after ending a dismal run in qualifying and falling 13 points behind McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri in the drivers’ title race.

“The team has done a fantastic job so thank you to everyone here and back at the factory,” he said. “These days don’t come easy and I am proud to give something back to them.

“It’s been a long time coming. I feel good and I don’t think you realize how good this feels with quite a few struggles over the last couple of months, especially here in Monaco. It’s a beautiful place and the hardest track probably to do it.

“Up against the home-town hero (Leclerc), I’m very proud of the whole team so I am pleased after all the hard work in the last few months.”

Norris’s McLaren team-mate and championship leader Oscar Piastri was third ahead of seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton in the second Ferrari, four-time champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull and remarkable rookie Isack Hadjar of RB.

Norris agreed that his mentality had been a key part of his success after admitting to self-doubts in recent weeks.

“Honestly, that’s the tricky part and to consistently find a lap time because you know it’s what the others are going to be doing and improving more and more.

“You’ve got to take a similar amount of risks, but when you get to Q3, the final lap is just about who can risk a little bit more and commit a little bit more.

“It was a nice and well put together lap and it feels very good when you cross the line and you know it’s all paid off.”

He said he had not considered the mandatory two pit-stops strategy required on Sunday.

“Honestly, at the minute, I have no idea. I’m going to enjoy today and I’ve worked hard for today. I’m happy with qualifying and I’m going to live the moment a little bit and then I will focus on tomorrow.”

Team-mate Piastri, who leads him by 13 points after seven of this year’s 24 races, admitted he had endured a messy two days of practice and qualifying.

“I think I’ve hit more walls this weekend than I have in my whole career so it’s been untidy. I’ve been struggling to get into the groove a little bit and I think in qualifying I was much happier with things and I felt pretty good.

“We’ve been doing some digging this weekend and to come out with this result is a decent effort.”

He added: “We’re in good positions, but it’s still going to be an exciting race tomorrow with the two-stop so let’s see what happens.”

Last year’s winner and local hero Leclerc said: “I’m just frustrated. We know we don’t have the car for wins this year.”