Mohammed Ben Sulayem rival backed to lead FIA: 'He's got no ego'

Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert has voiced his support for Tim Mayer in the race to be the next president of the FIA. Up until less than two weeks ago, it appeared as if incumbent Mohammed Ben Sulayem would go into the December elections unopposed and secure a second four-year term in office. But ahead of the recent British Grand Prix, Tim Mayer, sacked by Ben Sulayem as an F1 steward toward the end of last season, announced his candidacy. Mayer and Ben Sulayem now face five months of campaigning before the votes are cast at the FIA General Assembly in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on December 12. Herbert, himself a former F1 steward before he was also dismissed earlier this year due to that role and his job as a media pundit being "incompatible", does not doubt that Mayer "will be a very good president". "It's perfect timing," said Herbert, speaking to RacingNews365 . The 61-year-old, who made 160 starts in F1, added: "I like the way Tim works. He has got a very good work ethic, he's got history in the sport, obviously, because of his dad, Teddy, at McLaren. "We need someone who is going to go up against whichever president is in, and, as I said, I think it is the perfect time for someone to try and get himself in a position." Herbert acknowledges that Mayer faces "a lot of hard work", not least as it is understood Ben Sulayem already has considerable support behind him amongst the member clubs. "Tim's very aware that is going to be the case," added Herbert, who at least feels Mayer offers something different. "He was very disappointed when he got moved aside. Potentially, I think he would be a very good president because he's got no ego, he's got a passion for the sport, a passion for the FIA. "I'm very much looking forward to seeing how he can get the members on his side, purely by telling them what he's expecting of his journey to be like within the FIA."