Formula One Efforts To Become An Olympic Sport Suffer Setback

THE CHANCES of superstar drivers Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton ever winning Olympic gold have been dealt a blow after a former senior politician claimed the practices of motor racing’s governing body are not in line with those of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Motor racing is not currently an Olympic event but moved a step closer last month when its governing body the FIA was granted full recognition by the IOC. The FIA said the move confirmed that its “statutes, practice and activities of the FIA are in full conformity with the Olympic Charter”.

But David Ward, a former policy adviser to late Labour leader John Smith who is now running to be FIA president, has written to the head of its decision-making body, the senate, suggesting that this is not the case.

At the heart of Ward’s claim is an alleged lack of disclosure in the FIA’s annual financial statements. The accounts for most key European motorsport businesses show related party transactions – payments to and from companies or individuals related to the owners or directors of the business.


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Terry989 - 10/28/2013 3:15:13 PM

+1 Boost

As much as I enjoy watching Formula 1, I don't see this ever happening. On this same page you printed that Ferrari is opening a new building just to house the 700 Ferrari staff that work exclusively on Formula 1. 700 staff for 2 cars (+ spares) and 19 races a year!! Many countries struggle just to field a Bob Sled team with a staff of 5 people! You do the math.