World units' support to MAI

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI, OCT. 7. The General Assembly of the Alliance Internationale de Tourisme (AIT) and the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) confirmed the decision of the World Motor Sports Council to award the sporting power to the Motorsport Association of India, headed by Nazir Hoosein, at meeting held on October 6 at Seville, (Spain).

Three hundred fifty two delegates, representing 138 member clubs from 91 countries attended the meeting, which is a record. The meeting was presided over jointly by Fernando Falck, President of the AIT, and Max Mosley, President of the FIA.

This decision effectively puts an end to the controversy relating to the sporting power to conduct motor racing in India between the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India, and the newly formed Motorsport Association of India. It is understood that with a view to promoting the sport within the country, the two units are likely to integrate as one unit. An announcement to this effect will come in a day or two, according to sources.

The meeting also elected Rosario Alessi (Italy) and Marco Piccinini (Italy) to the AIT and FIA World Board. It also confirmed as holder of sporting power to Chinese Taipei Motor Sport Association (CTMSA) and the Korean Automobile Racing Association (KARA). With the approval of the Automovel Club de Portugal (ACP), the Federation Portuguesa de Automobilismoe Karting (FPAK), to which the ACP had previously delegated the sporting power for Portugal, has now become a member of the FIA in its own right.

The General Assembly has therefore confirmed that the FPAK will continue to hold the sporting power for Portugal. The late Cesar Torres (Portugal), former Deputy President of the FIA (Sport), has been nominated posthumously Vice u President of Honour of the FIA. Teresa Torres, his widow, was present at the General Assembly to acknowledge the applause of the delegates.

The late Jon Corsmit (Holland), former Member of the World Motor Sport Council, former President of the Circuit and Safety Commission and long time highly respected Formula One chief Steward has been nominated posthumously Member of Honour of the FIA. Ernest Buser (Switzerland), former President for over 20 years of the CIK and of the FMK, has been nominated Vice u President of Honour of the FIA.

Mr. Jacques Sarrut, former General Secretary of the FIA, has been nominated General Secretary of Honour of the FIA.

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Section  : Sport
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