Ben Sulayem says rally legend Carlos Sainz Sr underestimated FIA presidency

Earlier this year Sainz explored a candidacy before deciding not to challenge Ben Sulayem, who is seeking another term at the head of world motor sport's governing body. The Spaniard is a two-time World Rally Champion and the father of Williams Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz.

Asked about the episode by the Spanish newspaper AS during the Rally of Paraguay, Ben Sulayem drew a distinction between knowing motor sport and running the federation which governs it.

Carlos is a good friend, but I don't think he understood, Ben Sulayem said. The FIA presidency isn't just about the sport.

He pointed to the federation's mobility work, its business responsibilities and its 245 member organisations around the world. He also described the position as a year-round commitment for which the president receives no salary.

The comment was pointed, but it also identified a problem faced by any well-known sporting candidate. The public profile of the FIA is dominated by Formula 1 and the World Rally Championship, while much of its daily work sits outside the competitions which make the headlines.

Sainz and Ben Sulayem have known one another since their rallying careers, which helps explain the personal tone. Sainz won the 1987 Rally Principe de Asturias, where Ben Sulayem finished on the podium, long before either man became part of the federation's political discussion.

The aborted candidacy did not become a contest, but Ben Sulayem's answer makes clear that he did not regard sporting reputation alone as sufficient preparation for the job.