#Switzerland #Geneva #FIA #Laura Villars #Member Clubs

Engaging the Racing Community

In a bold step towards her candidacy for the presidency of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), Laura Villars, a 28-year-old Swiss driver and entrepreneur, has initiated a dialogue with all member clubs. Just a few days after announcing her intention to run for this prestigious position, Villars placed herself firmly in the racing community’s spotlight. With her extensive background in motorsport and club membership, she aims to bridge gaps and foster collaboration among diverse automotive stakeholders.

A Personal Approach

Villars has crafted personalized emails to the presidents of FIA's member clubs, underscoring her commitment to the organization that she refers to as her "common home." In her correspondence, she not only presents her candidacy but also emphasizes her long-standing relationship with the FIA as both a competitor and a supportive club member. Her outreach includes direct phone conversations with club leaders, allowing her to garner insights into their expectations and engage in meaningful discussions.

Five Key Commitments

In her candidate manifesto, Villars outlines five pivotal commitments directed towards enhancing the FIA’s governance and member support:

1. Independent Governance: She advocates for a transparent and accountable governance structure, recommending an elected audit committee and public accessibility to budgeting and grant data.
2. Fair Support for All Clubs: Villars proposes establishing a support fund for clubs and simplifying membership processes, aiming to reduce fees for smaller organizations.
3. Inclusive Motorsports: She plans to launch initiatives to make motorsports accessible, including scholarships for women in motorsport and reducing entry costs to karting and Formula 4 by 20% over three years.
4. Recognition of Mobility and Tourism Impact: Villars is committed to significant mobility advancements, with the goal of achieving ‘Zero deaths by 2035’ and implementing 100 intelligent mobility projects within three years.
5. Sustainable Legacy: Villars envisions a carbon-neutral FIA by 2030 and the creation of a future leaders’ academy to nurture the next generation of motorsport professionals.

The Road Ahead

To validate her candidacy, Villars requires 18 official endorsements from member clubs—comprising six each from sporting clubs, mobility clubs, and mixed clubs. With a total of 245 clubs under FIA’s umbrella, the stakes are high. "The choice now belongs to the clubs. They hold the power to enable a true democratic competition and to open the FIA to a future that reflects their aspirations," she stated.

In the upcoming weeks, Villars will unveil her comprehensive program detailing her vision and initiatives in anticipation of the elections scheduled for December 2025. This proactive engagement is expected to set a precedent in FIA’s electoral history, making it the focal point of discussions in the motorsport community.

As her campaign evolves, all eyes are on Laura Villars to see how her dedication and innovative ideas will shape the future of the FIA. The complete manifesto of Laura Villars accompanies this release, reflecting her readiness to lead and propel the FIA towards a more inclusive and productive era in motorsport.