Eight-time World Rally champion Sébastien Ogier has led service park support for the announcement of Malcolm Wilson as FIA deputy president for sport.
Wilson’s position was confirmed on Friday at the FIA’s meeting of the World Motor Sport Council.
Wilson follows fellow Briton Robert Reid into the position, who resigned from the governing body in April, citing a “fundamental breakdown in governance standards.”
Wilson will work alongside FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem for the remainder of the current term, which ends in December.
Ogier told DirtFish he saw Wilson’s arrival as a positive.
Malcolm’s not shy of making the tough decisions, some of which are needed nowElfyn Evans
“Anytime Malcolm is going to be involved in the sport, I will always be supportive of that,” said last week’s Rally Italy Sardinia winner. “I will always believe if he really wants to invest some time there, you know what kind of respect I have for him. He’s known the sport for many, many years now and I’m sure it can help.
“I wish him good luck. It’s never easy because it’s a big institution and it’s not so easy to make change, but if people like him are coming in, maybe we can see some positive.”
Hyundai Motorsport president and team principal Cyril Abiteboul added: “Malcolm has huge experience, he knows the sport, the grassroots, the private, independent, team, but also the manufacturer. He’s coming at a tough time and I think the clock is ticking for the WRC – but I think the WRC is in good hands. Absolutely, it’s great news and I look forward to working with Malcolm with this new hat, jersey or shirt.”
Ogier’s Toyota team-mate and fellow former M-Sport driver under Wilson, Elfyn Evans, said: “Ultimately we all want the best for rallying. I think it’s no secret that rallying needs a bit of help, a bit of direction. Malcolm’s not shy of making the tough decisions, some of which are needed now. I think he’ll be very good and I wish him all the best.”
