Laura Villars Reaches Out to FIA Member Clubs After Candidacy Announcement
Following her recent announcement to run for the presidency of the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile), Swiss racing driver and entrepreneur Laura Villars is taking bold initiatives to engage with member clubs across the globe. At only 28 years of age, Villars is already making a name for herself in an arena traditionally dominated by more experienced figures.
Just days after revealing her candidacy, Villars began reaching out to all member clubs, aiming to establish meaningful dialogues that highlight her vision for the future of motorsport and mobility. In a personalized effort, she has sent emails to the presidents of FIA member clubs, detailing her commitment to inclusivity, transparency, and sustainability within the organization. Furthermore, she has initiated direct phone conversations with several club leaders to address their concerns and foster a collaborative exchange.
In her communication to the clubs, Villars stated, "The FIA is our common home. I have been part of it my entire life, both as a racing driver and as a member of mobility clubs. Today, I want to leverage this experience for a collective project developed with and for the clubs." This statement underscores her deep connection to motorsport and her dedication to fostering a supportive community within the FIA.
Central to her campaign are five strong commitments that reflect her vision:
1. Independent and Transparent Administration: Villars proposes establishing a directly elected auditing committee, an autonomous budget for the Senate, a public interest register, and a transparent dashboard for grants.
2. Fair Support for All Clubs: She aims to create a Club Support Fund, simplify access to development funds, and implement progressive membership fees that reduce costs for the smallest ASN (National Sporting Authorities).
3. Accessible and Inclusive Motorsport: Her plans include the creation of a Women in Motorsport Fund that provides 20 annual scholarships, the launch of the FIA Young Leaders Academy to nurture 25 global talents each year, and co-financing mechanisms to lower entry costs at the grassroots level by 20% over three years.
4. Concrete Impacts on Mobility and Tourism: Villars has set ambitious goals, including achieving zero fatalities by 2035, implementing 100 smart mobility projects within three years, and preparing a holistic action plan in collaboration with the UNWTO.
5. A Lasting Legacy: She is committed to making the FIA climate-neutral by 2030 and establishing an FIA Academy for Future Leaders in addition to the FIA University.
Villars reminded the clubs that to confirm her candidacy, she needs endorsements from 18 official clubs—six each from sporting, mobility, and mixed clubs—from the 245 FIA member clubs. "The decision lies with the clubs. They have the power to ensure true democratic competition and open up the FIA for the future," she emphasized. The complete details of Laura Villars' program will be unveiled in the upcoming weeks in anticipation of the elections scheduled for December 2025.
Overall, Villars' proactive approach demonstrates her commitment to engaging with the FIA community and addressing the pressing issues within motorsport. As she prepares for her campaign, all eyes will be on her to see how she navigates the complex landscape of motorsport governance and champions her vision for a more inclusive future.