Gautam Singhania was elected as a new member of the FIA World Motor Sports Council in Paris on Friday, replacing Sahara Force India F1 owner Vijay Mallya. Singhania, chairman of the Raymond Group, calls himself an avid lover of the sport and says he is "elated" to take over the position.
"I am elated and excited to be elected like this. It's a privilege and honour for me and I will do my best. I thank the members of the FMSCI for their support. I am a driver and an enthusiast so I understand the issues that need to be addressed," the industrialist said regarding his election, which took place at the FIA Annual General Assembly.
Singhania was chosen among 22 nominees to become one of 14 members on the international council. He will represent India alongside Akbar Ebrahim, president of the FMSCI, who was named as the council's new Deputy Titular.
Ebrahim, regarding India's WMSC representation, said, "It is also a matter of pride that 17 of our nominated members have been co-opted in various FIA Sporting Commissions. This is the highest Indian representation in the FIA till date."
The WMSC, according to their website, "prioritises improvements in safety and environmental standards across all forms of the sport, adopts common regulations across the various series, and nurtures motor sport’s roots by developing all forms of the sport."