Omar Al -Balushi
– We allocated 2000 hours consultations to put our vision for the presidency of the International Federation – 182 million euros, the operational income of “FIA” in 2024 – I seek to continue developing motorsport and strengthening the International Federation – it is difficult to believe the passage of 21 years since the introduction of “Formula 1” in the racing schedule – I am very lucky for my long and successful career in rally
The President of the International Automobile Federation “FIA”, Mohammed bin Salim, confirmed that His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, provided great support for hosting the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Middle East region for the “Formula 1” race, until the Kingdom became a role model.
He added in an interview with “Al -Watan Sports”, that he was a witness to the first moves and the great desire from Bahrain to host the first “Formula 1” race in the region led by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, the Prime Minister, where Bahrain sent a clear message to the world on its ability to achieve this.
Bin Salim touched on a number of important aspects, most notably the task of nominating him for a second presidential term, and the efforts he is making to win and continue the presidency of the International Federation, stressing his endeavor to continue developing motorsport and mobility and enhancing the role of the International Automobile Federation.
The President of “FIA” expressed his fascination with the great harmony between everyone in Bahrain to host this global event, which is not easy at all, feeling the clear understanding between volunteers and the international federation and the concerned authorities, commercial responsibility and developers, which confirmed the merit of Bahrain and the Gulf by hosting the “Formula 1” race.
The Emirati Ben Selim is the twelfth president of the International Automobile Federation, and the first president outside the European continent, who heads the largest global agency supervising motorsport and the Union of World Mobility Organizations.
The International Automobile Federation, which was established in 1904 AD, is headed by 117 years of 11 presidents held this high global position, where Bin Salim, who includes 245 organizations under his remaining five continents, represents millions of road users, motorists and volunteers.
Bin Salim wrote his name in letters of gold in the history of international rally races by achieving 14 times the title of the Middle East Rally race, in addition to winning 61 international events as a rally driver, during the period between 1983 and 2002, to become one of the strongest rally drivers in the Middle East and the world. The meeting comes:
Tell us about the efforts you made to win the head of “FIA”, especially since you are the first president of the Union from outside Europe since its foundation 117 years ago?
– My team and I have made a great effort to plan my campaign carefully, as we allocated more than 2000 hours of consultations with the members of the International Motor Federation to develop a clear vision and a work plan for the future, which we are still working to achieve to this day.
We have focused on meeting the desires of member clubs, and on our commitment to double the global participation in motorsport, enhance diversity and inclusion, and to be a major engine for sustainable movement.
Although the presence of a candidate from the Arab world was a new matter, I believe that there is a strong feeling that the time is right to change to help motorsport and move to take new steps forward.
As we continued in the fourth year since my election, I am still committed to the status of members at the heart of the International Automobile Federation, and ensuring that it is on the right path.
At the end of the fiscal year 2024, the Federation announced strong operational results of 4.7 million euros, and an operation of 182 million euros, compared to a financial loss of -24 million euros in 2021 before my election, and I am proud of what we achieved.
Do you have a desire to continue to lead the union? Is there support for your efforts to maintain your presidency?
– Yes, I will run for a second term as a president, I have spoken to many members, and I still listen to their desires and needs to ensure that they remain in the heart of the union.
I intend to continue developing motorsport, mobility and strengthening the International Automobile Federation, and this is the goal, and this is what I expect to achieve, as we have followed a based approach to knowledge within the union, reinforcing education and exchanging information, and maintaining our rich heritage, while looking forward to the future and the next generation.
Last year, when we celebrated the 120th anniversary of the founding of the Federation, we completed 13500 individual training courses through the International Federation of Motors, and we presented 70 research projects in the field of motorsport safety.
It was a pleasure in the leadership of the International Automobile Federation during this important year, and by continuing to work together, we can ensure more success for the next century.
You have seen the first steps to host Bahrain “Formula 1”, how did the preparations for the creation of the Bahrain Circuit went?
– It is difficult to believe that now 21 years have passed since I entered the Bahrain Grand Prix of the Middle East in the “Formula 1” racing schedule. The time has passed quickly, but I remember those early days, and how Bahrain embraced the challenge, and showed what an Arab country could achieve at the highest levels of motorsport.
I am pleased to construct the great effort and commitment that contributed to the success of the Bahrain Grand Prix for Gulf Aviation for “Formula 1”, which is held under the supervision of the International Motor Federation, which paved the way for the neighboring countries to follow its example, and invest in this wonderful event.
I am always looking to visit the Bahrain International Circuit to attend a race that embodies the influence that the region has caused in “Formula 1”.
The Arab world plays a major role in the championship schedule, and has added races and places in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Abu Dhabi a special character and special attractiveness to the global gravity of this sport.
We talked about the efforts of His Royal Highness the Prime Minister to make Bahrain a center for car sport in the region?
– In order for any country a long -term success in organizing “Formula 1” activities, it is necessary to have strong support from the highest levels, and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, has provided great support for the constant support of the Bahrain Grand Prix for Gulf Aviation for “Formula 1”, not only to ensure his stay annually, but for being an event that challenges and rewards the drivers and the difference, The enthusiasm of racing lovers around the world.
Over the past 21 years, the Middle East interaction with Formula 1 has evolved from hosting races to building an enthusiastic mass base and enhancing totalitarianism in this sport.
This is essential in the International Automobile Federation strategy for the growth and development of motorsport, and we are grateful to Bahrain for the main role it played.
Is the Gulf region aspiring to more “Formula 1 races in the future”? Or is the establishment of 4 races is sufficient?
Certainly, the Gulf region can be completely satisfied with its current share of the “Formula 1” racing schedule, especially in light of the interest of countries around the world in joining the already crowded Formula 1 championship.
The “Formula 1” administration takes decisions on the number and sites of “Formula 1” races in cooperation with racing organizers and local authorities, and the choice of new places depends on a number of important strategic considerations.
In general, the International Automobile Federation believes that the continuous development of auto sport in the Middle East is an exciting and important feature of its global scene.
The region has witnessed remarkable growth, especially in recent years, with a timetable more complete than ever through the various championships of the International Automobile Federation.
In addition to 4 races for “Formula 1”, the Gulf region hosts activities in the World Championship for the ability to be held under the supervision of the International Motor Federation and the Formula E Championship, which will be held under the supervision of the International Motor Federation, while the World Rally Championships will be concluded under the supervision of the Federation for 2025 with a new tour in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The region is also distinguished by the “FIA World RALLY RAID RAID RAIDTIONSHIP” world championships, and the FIA World Baja CUP, both of which are held under the supervision of the International Motor Federation and a wide range of mono -seat car competitions, including “Formula 2”, “Formula 3” and “Formula 4 “, which was launched recently, which provides young drivers a first vital step to upgrade karting.
In general, the region still plays a pivotal role in the continuous expansion and diversification of global car sport, supporting the International Motor Federation’s commitment to increasing access and opportunities around the world.
Do you miss participating in the rally races after you are retired? Tell us about your beginnings and the most important moments of your sporting career?
– I am very lucky for my long and successful career in rally, and like any other driver, of course I remember those times with passion.
My accomplishments did not come easily, but rather required a lot of hard work and dedication, but the motorsport gave me a lot in return over the years, and it is still doing.
I entered the rally driving world almost in 1982, when I was driving my car in Dubai and I saw some cars and movement on the side of the road, and I stopped seeing what was happening, and I was told that it was a rally.
This was new to me at the time, but it caught my attention, and shortly after that I participated in my first race, and won it, and the rest as they say “history”.
Looking at the past, there were many prominent moments, such as Fawzi I in an international rally in Jordan in 1984, the first fourteen winners in the Middle East Rally Championships that are held under the supervision of the International Motor Federation in 1986, and the first victory for me in the group “N” in the World Rally Championships in Catalonia in 1992.
The last Fawzi, in 2002, was also unforgettable, as it came to the homeland in the Dubai International Rally, which I was lucky to win 15 times.
