Bin Sulayem weighing up bid for FIA presidency

Mohammad Bin Sulayem has not denied speculation he is set to become a third candidate for the FIA presidency.

David Ward has already entered the race to dethrone incumbent Jean Todt in December’s elections, but the latest rumour is that the Briton was only ever a ’straw man’ precursor for Bin Sulayem’s real bid.

Bin Sulayem, a former rally driver, is the highest ranking motor racing official in the Middle East, and already an FIA vice-president.

A spokesman for the 51-year-old said he was aware of the latest speculation.

"It can be confirmed that he has been contacted in recent weeks by a number of ASC’s (national sporting authorities) from around the world who have expressed a desire for him to run as a candidate," he told Gulf News.

"At this stage, he has seen David Ward’s manifesto and has now asked to see Jean Todt’s manifesto as well.

"Any decision he makes after that will be based on what is best for the FIA going forward," the spokesman said.

Bin Sulayem, like the rest of the FIA officialdom, is currently in Dubrovnik, Croatia, for Friday’s World Motor Sport Council meeting.

Speed Week reports that Pirelli may finally be confirmed as F1’s continuing tyre supplier beyond 2013. A 2014 calendar is also expected to be published.