FIA Presidency hopeful Ari Vatanen has today issued his manifesto ahead of the October election.

It reads as follows:

I have decided to stand as a candidate for the Presidency of the FIA in our October election. I am writing today to share more information regarding the priorities I will pursue if you give me your trust and honour me with the presidency. Please be assured that I will provide additional details as the campaign unfolds.

[1] Strengthen our public policy effort.

We have over one billion automobilists in our worldwide family. The most prominent exponents of these are 20 Formula 1 drivers racing all over the world. While we represent over 100 million motorists, there are still 900 million car users who are not yet our members and many hundreds of millions to come. There is an enormous potential of growth for our FIA family. One of the most important roles of the governing body is to help member clubs to approach and recruit these people. A clear priority for the FIA President, above all managerial duties, is globally to defend automobilists, mobility itself and our great sport at the highest government level. We are asking that all modes of transport (road transport, railway, shipping and aviation) should be treated equally because this is in the interest of the society as a whole.

The bigger and more united we are – the better we will be heard.

Our efforts on behalf of automobilists are unfortunately very uneven still today. I firmly believe that by working closer with member clubs we can harness the full influence of the FIA to positively affect mobility issues around the world and strengthen the FIA brand.

It is important that the policies advocated by the FIA align with the views of our clubs in the various parts of the world. With this in mind, we shall seek ways to more directly engage clubs in the decisions which are made on the Federation's public policy. This is particularly important as we tackle issues like road safety, access to mobility, affordable and sustainable energy, environment, and eco-friendly tourism.

In 2005, the EU parliament approved my report "How to halve EU road deaths by 2010: a shared responsibility". Our most precious challenge at FIA is to continue saving human lives globally.

Also, since the economic prosperity of our nations is highly dependent on the efficient movement of people and goods, we can contribute to improving the wealth of our nations by highlighting the positive role of cars for our prosperity.

[2] Formalize and expand our support of developing clubs.

Our worldwide network comprises both large and small clubs. While many of the larger clubs may be less dependent on the FIA, we should pay special attention to smaller clubs that seek our assistance. I will form a special task force to create a continuous program of supporting activities from the FIA.

The role of FIA Foundation and the use of its sizable funds should be expanded specially to help the member clubs and their projects. It is our duty to help smaller clubs, particularly in the developing world, because improved mobility is one of the key tools in the eradication of poverty. I undertake to visit also the small clubs in various parts of the world.

[3] Improve our operational efficiency (Efficiently, Effectively and Economically).

While While much of the FIA's revenue comes from sports, the dues and fees we charge clubs are, in some cases, quite burdensome. We will review our activities to ensure that we are conducting our business in a cost effective way and that we have competent managers in all key positions. We will use new ways of communication to support developing clubs and to foster broader participation of all clubs in the affairs of the FIA. As you know, we currently maintain offices in a number of major European cities. We will not diminish our activities in support of clubs, but we will evaluate the need to have as many satellite facilities.

[4] Modernize our governance.

One of the first steps is to appoint a small working group of respected FIA leaders both from Mobility and Motor Sport to review the struc-ture and operations of the FIA. The group will recommend the changes required to ensure the long term viability of the Federation and its clubs. My goal is to give the clubs a much stronger voice in the decisions we make at the FIA.

It is time for us to listen to the clubs.