A significant number of Australians have been appointed or re-appointed to commissions for motorsport’s global governing body, the FIA.
 
A total of 15 locals, many of them Motorsport Australia representatives, were named on the new-look Commissions, with senior appointments also confirmed.
 
Sam Michael was named President of the FIA Safety Commission, while Motorsport Australia’s President Andrew Fraser, Director of Motorsport & Commercial Operations Michael Smith and Manager – Track Safety & Race Director David Stuart were appointed as Vice Presidents for their respective Commissions.
 
Fraser said the appointments highlighted Australian motorsport’s strong credentials.
 
"To have this number of Australians represented on these FIA Commissions is a significant achievement, highlighting the diverse skills and expertise Australian motorsport possesses,” Fraser said.
 
“With many Motorsport Australia representatives on these commissions, alongside those who work in the sport, I am proud our people can share their knowledge and experience at the global level for the betterment of the sport everywhere. 
 
“It’s also pleasing to see a number of Australians take up leading roles on these commissions, with Sam Michael named President of the Safety Commission – a vital and influential position. Motorsport Australia executives Michael Smith and David Stuart were also appointed as Vice Presidents in two vital areas of officials and circuits, which highlights their knowledge, skills and passion for motorsport.
 
“Personally I am looking forward to serving as Vice President of the Sustainability and Environment Commission which is an important area of focus for the future of motorsport. We all love the smell, sounds and sights of motorsport, but we are also aware of the importance of embracing new technology to deliver a safe and sustainable sport for many years to come. Motorsport Australia and the FIA have a key role to play in this space and work is already well underway.”
 
Newly elected FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem confirmed the appointments at a recent FIA World Motor port Council meeting.
 
The meeting also saw the FIA launch a new and robust governance process, including a fully independent financial audit of the FIA, and the recruitment of a FIA Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
 
“A new era has begun for the FIA, through the creation of a governance framework founded on openness and global diversity,” Ben Sulayem said.
 
“This is a key pillar of our strategy and I warmly thank the World Councils’ Members, who have approved the changes. Responsibility and authority of World Councils, which emanate from our Members, will be increased. A more effective oversight model will be designed, stakeholders’ priorities will be aligned, and a responsibly profitable FIA operation will be ensured. To reach these objectives, the Federation’s governing bodies and administration will work closely together to make the FIA the global voice of motor sport and mobility.”
 

Australians on FIA Motorsport Commissions

Presidents
Sam Michael - Safety Commission
 
Vice-Presidents
Andrew Fraser  - Environmental and Sustainability Commission
Michael Smith - Volunteers and Officials Commission
David Stuart - Circuits Commission
 
Commission Members
Jessica Dane - Women in Motor Sport Commission
Thea Jeanes-Cochrane - Esports Commission
Molly Taylor - Rally Commission
Lawrie Schmitt - GT Commission
Roland Dane - Touring Car Commission
Adam Berryman - Historic Motor Sport Commission
Brett Stevens - Drag Racing Commission
Scott McGrath - Homologation Commission
Dr Matt Croxford - Medical Commission
Sam Michael - Single Seater Commission
Craig Denton - Karting Commission
Charlotte Hayes - Disability and Accessibility Commission