FIA's decision most unwelcome, says Mallya

CHENNAI, APRIL 8. The Chairman of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI), Mr. Vijay Mallya has described it as ``most surprising and unwelcome,'' the decision of the World Motor Sport Council of the FIA to vest the sporting power for India in the hands of Mr. Nazir Hoosein's newly-formed Motor Sports Association of India (MAI).

Mr. Mallya said in a hard-hitting press release that ``By doing this, the FIA seems to have deliberately ignored the long- standing presence of FMSCI and has been enticed into believing that Mr. Nazir Hoosein an individual supported by a few associations including the Western India Automobile Association can achieve miracles in the promotion of Indian motor sport. This, as time will prove, will not be possible,'' he declared.

The FMSCI, he said had been in existence for almost 28 years and enjoyed the support of over 57 Motor Sports Clubs in India, three Automobile Associations, the SIAM and above all the recognition of the Government of India. ``This is far more valuable and important than the sporting power granted by FIA. We cannot and will not allow foreign organisations to dictate the future of Indian motor sport and its development,'' he said.

While pointing out that it was a matter of regret that Mr. Hoosein should have used his nomination from the FMSCI to the World council to ``further his own vested interests,'' Mr. Mallya made it clear that MAI, which had no track record whatsoever except the `highly disruptive' Himalayan Rally, would not be permitted to destroy the good work put in by the FMSCI and its members for over two decades.

``The FMSCI remains strong and will continue to conduct National Rally championship and other motor sporting events in India with the blessings of the National Government and all Indian citizens. Whether we enjoy FIA sporting power or not makes no difference,'' he concluded.

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Section  : Sport
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