Words: Ganesh Murthy
Gautam Singhania was elected as one of the 14 members in the FIA World Motor Sports Council, which deals with the FIA sporting matters globally. There were 22 nominees globally, out of which 14 were elected and Mr Singhania won with a considerable margin of 82 votes. He will represent FMSCI (Federation of Motor Sports Club of India) at the FIA Council. The FIA council also has seven vice-presidents and one deputy president apart from the 14 members. Akbar Ebrahim, president of FMSCI was also named as deputy titular and will represent India along with Gautam Singhania.
After getting elected in the FIA World Motor Sport Council, Gautam Singhania said, “I am elated and excited to be elected like this. It’s a privilege and honour for me and I will do my best. I thank the members of the FMSCI for their support. I am a driver and an enthusiast so I understand the issues that need to be addressed.”
FMSCI president, Akbar Ebahim said, “I am really glad that Mr Gautam Singhania has been elected. It gives us great satisfaction to note that an Indian will be a board member of the FIA World Motor Sports Council. I would like to thank Mr Jean Todt, President FIA, and all the FIA General Assembly members for all the support extended to India, the FMSCI and to Mr Gautam Singhania. This is the highest Indian representation in the FIA till date.”
Gautam Singhania is the managing director and chairman of Raymond Groups. He is also actively involved in multiple motor sport activities. He has carved a name for himself in the world of motor sports as the only Indian to win the All Stars European Drift Championship in the amateur category in 2012, a double win at the NGK racing series and the first Indian to qualify for the Ferrari Mondiali Challenge in 2014. He also holds the distinctive record for being the only Indian to win the Ferrari Pirelli Open in 2014 and claiming second spot in Ferrari Challenge Series in 2015 while securing 10 podiums in the championship. Apart from being a motor sport enthusiast, he has a notable car collection and he is the founder of a Super Car Club to promote manufacturers including the likes of Ferrari, Lamborghini and Bentley in India.