Stoker announces bid to succeed Todt as FIA president

Todt’s presidency comes to an end this year and he is prevented from standing for a fourth term in office.

Following a stint as president of the Motor Sports Association, Stoker, a British sports barrister, was elected FIA deputy president in 2012, leading the sporting side and promoting social responsibility and international development.

Stoker has been involved with motorsport for most of his career, initially volunteering as a steward before becoming the first chairman of the permanent stewards to the British Touring Car Championship from 1995 to 2001.

He will be joined in his leadership team by nine-time Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen, who is standing for Stoker’s current position as deputy president for sport.

Belgium’s Thierry Willemarck is standing to continue as deputy president for mobility, while New Zealander Brian Gibbons is again putting himself forward to continue as president of the FIA senate.

“We stand for an FIA for All, across sport and mobility, safety and sustainability, competition and trusted services,” said Stoker.

“An all-inclusive FIA that welcomes and works for every motor sport competitor and road user worldwide regardless of race, nationality and gender.

"An FIA that faces future challenges and that plays an important role on the global stage.

“Our member clubs, both Mobility and Motor Sport, are at the heart of our 117-year-old Federation and it has always been our key priority to support and develop our clubs.

“But also to reach out to our motor sport stakeholders and supporters across the globe, our volunteers, competitors, teams, promoters, and our unique industry, as well as the great many motorists who rely on our services worldwide.

“I want the FIA and our Member Clubs to gain global influence across all aspects of sport, and mobility, emerging transport and energy trends.

“We will build on the outstanding work of President Jean Todt over the last 12 years and are proud to have been able to help introduce many new innovative programs and resources to support Members and have assisted the President in developing our Clubs and building the FIA into a strong, respected and influential international organisation.

“Our core belief is an FIA for All which will continue to strengthen our Federation - for our Members, our Sport and our Society.”

Stoker will face Mohammed Bin Sulayem, the current FIA vice-president, in the FIA presidential election in December this year.