Stoker throws hat into FIA presidential election ring

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Graham Stoker, the FIA's current Deputy President for Sport, has announced that he will stand for election later this year as Jean Todt's successor at the helm of motorsport's governing body.

The British barrister who has also been a member of the FIA's World Motor Sport Council since 2004 has put together a leadership team that includes nine-time Le Mans 24 Hours winner Tom Ktistensen who is standing as the FIA's future Deputy President for Sport.

Also running on Stoker's ticket are Belgium's Thierry Willemarck who will stand for Deputy President for Mobility, and New Zealand's Brian Gibbons who will stand for President of the FIA Senate.

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"We stand for an FIA for All, across sport and mobility, safety and sustainability, competition and trusted services. An all-inclusive FIA that welcomes and works for every motor sport competitor and road user worldwide regardless of race, nationality and gender," Stoker said in a press release.

"I want the FIA and our Member Clubs to gain global influence across all aspects of sport and mobility, emerging transport and energy trends," said Stoker upon the launch of his campaign.

"We will build on the outstanding work of President Jean Todt over the last 12 years and are proud to have been able to help introduce many new innovative programmes and resources to support Members and have assisted the President in developing our Clubs and building the FIA into a strong, respected and influential international organisation.

"Our core belief is an 'FIA for All' which will continue to strengthen our Federation - for our Members, our Sport and our Society."

So far, the only other candidate seeking to follow Todt as President of the FIA in next December's election is former rally driver Mohammed bin Sulayem.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.