Wilson previously served as the team principal of M-Sport Ford’s WRC outfit, but in recent years has focused on leading the broader company, which is active not only in rallying but also across other forms of motorsport. M-Sport enjoyed its last major run of success with Wilson at the helm, when Sébastien Ogier drove for the team in 2017 and 2018.
Ogier claimed back-to-back drivers’ titles in those seasons, and in 2017 M-Sport also captured the manufacturers’ crown. Since then, the British team has not returned to the top step in the championship standings. Ogier, however, is delighted to see his former boss take up a leadership role within the FIA.
“Anytime Malcolm is going to be involved in the sport I will be always supportive of that and I will always believe if he really wants to invest some time there, That’s the kind of respect I have for him. He’s known the sport for many, many years now. I’m sure it can help. I wish him good luck,” said Ogier.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has rarely been seen at WRC service parks, and it’s widely believed that rallying has not ranked high on his list of priorities. Now, Wilson has a chance to revive the sport he loves – but it won’t be an easy task. His predecessor as deputy president was Robert Reid, a former WRC co-driver and respected rally figure.
Reid stepped down after four years, having grown frustrated with internal FIA politics. His resignation was seen as a bold protest against the federation, which has been accused of power centralisation and lack of transparency.
“It’s never easy because it’s a big institution, and it’s not so easy to make change. But if people like him are coming in, maybe we can see something positive,” Ogier added.
Championship leader Elfyn Evans is also very familiar with Wilson, having driven for M-Sport under his leadership from 2013 to 2019. Like Ogier, Evans believes Wilson could help lift the WRC if given the right opportunity.
“Ultimately, we all want the best for rallying. I think it’s no secret that rallying needs a bit of help, a bit of direction. I do think that someone like Malcolm, who’s not shy to make a tough decision — which is needed now — would be very good,” Evans said.
