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BBC News
06-07-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Ben Sulayem removes Britain's Senate representative
Britain's representative on the FIA Senate has been removed by president Mohammed Ben Cussons - vice-president of the Royal Automobile Club - had been on the senate for three and a half years after supporting Ben Sulayem's candidature for president of motorsport's governing has been replaced by Azerbaijani Anar Alakbarov - known as a supporter and ally of Ben senate is the FIA body responsible for financial oversight and governance told BBC Sport: "I received correspondence from the president saying he was appointing my successor. He gave no reason why, and there was no timeline as to when this would happen." He said his removal had taken him by surprise, pointing out he and David Richards - the head of British motorsport's governing body, MotorsportUK - had been "staunch supporters of Mohammed in his election year and his then manifesto"."As far as I am aware, I haven't fallen out with him," he added. "I have written to him for clarification and I haven't had a reply. I'm a great believer in transparency and good governance."Cussons is in dispute with Ben Sulayem over his pushback on a requirement to sign a stricter non-disclosure agreement regarding FIA business. He says he is "awaiting a reply from the FIA" having made his position removal comes just weeks after a change to the rules governing the body's composition at the FIA general gave the FIA president power to appoint or dismiss the required four "independent and qualified" members of the the president could only propose their appointment or removal, which required confirmation by the remaining 12 reason given by the FIA for the change was to provide "more flexibility in having the expertise required for the many and varied topics [the senate] has to deal with and which may require an urgent decision".Critics said the potential requirement was already contained within other FIA rules, and that it was a transparent attempt to consolidate power in Ben Sulayem's other 12 senate members are four from the presidential team, including the president, and four elected by each of the world councils, for sport and senate is empowered to take decisions over the FIA's rules - including those governing Formula 1 - when world councils are unable to dismissal follows the removal of a series of senior figures, all apparently because they have disagreed or clashed with Ben include former senior steward Tim Mayer, who last week announced he was running against Ben Sulayem in December's presidential election, chief executive officer Natalie Robyn, FIA F1 race director Niels Wittich, compliance officer Paolo Basarri and the head of the audit committee, Bertrand Badre. Robert Reid resigned his position as the FIA vice-president for sport in March over what he described as a "standards breakdown" at the has, in recent months, been critical of changes made by Ben Sulayem to the FIA's statutes, and has been banned from attending meetings of the FIA World Council because he refused to sign a stricter non-disclosure agreement imposed on decision to impose stricter NDAs on world council members - which has also been resisted by a number of other members - followed Richards' criticisms of changes made to the statutes last FIA spokesperson said the governing body "thanked Mr Cussons for his service during his time as a member of the FIA Senate".The spokesperson did not respond to questions as to why he had been removed, whether it had been planned before the statute changes, and whether there were any plans to remove other also did not respond to a question as to whether it was right to form the conclusion this was an example of the sort of conduct warned about by opponents of the two most recent sets of statute changes, and evidence of what was described as a "weakening of the ability of the senate to perform oversight functions, and especially oversight of the president himself".The spokesperson instead explained the role of the senate, saying it "plays a crucial role in the governance of the FIA, ensuring effective oversight of its financial and administrative affairs while guiding the strategic implementation of its long-term vision across sport and mobility".They added: "The past year has marked a turning point in the federation's financial transformation, culminating with the FIA posting a significant operating profit for the first time since 2019."All proposed amendments to the FIA statutes were voted through by a super majority of FIA member clubs at the FIA general assemblies, in line with the democratic process which governs decision-making within the federation."The amendments to the FIA statutes further strengthen processes around governance and confidentiality."Alakbarov has been president of the Azerbaijan Automobile Federation since 2014 and is an assistant to the country's president, Ilham Aliyev.
Metro
07-06-2025
- Automotive
- Metro
Boy, 11, dies weeks after another child killed in M4 minibus crash
An 11-year-old boy has become the second child to die after a minibus overturned on a busy motorway. Othniel Adoma, from Bracknell, Berkshire, died on Thursday, more than three weeks after the single-vehicle crash. The white Ford Transit minibus overturned on the exit slip road at junction 10 of the M4 eastbound, near Wokingham, on Sunday, May 11. A six-year-old boy, who has not been named, also died in the collision. Five other children who were injured have now been discharged from the hospital. No arrests have been made following the smash, which involved only the minibus. The motorway was closed in both directions to allow more air ambulances to land at the scene. Detective Sergeant Lyndsey Blackaby said: 'My thoughts, and the thoughts of everyone at Thames Valley Police, are with the family and friends of Othniel Adoma. 'Othniel's family has released these beautiful pictures of Othniel in his memory. Othniel's family has asked that their privacy be respected at this difficult time.' More Trending South Central Ambulance Service said it was first alerted to the crash at 2.24 pm, with its first units arriving at the scene eight minutes later. Five critical care units, including two air ambulances, attended the incident along with six ambulances. One motorist said she saw the huge emergency scene just before the road was closed off as she drove past it. She claimed 'idiots were still driving down the inside lane they had closed so the emergency vehicles could get through – hope they all get tickets.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Two drivers die within hours of each other at Motorsport UK races MORE: Major change to car parks could make drivers' lives easier MORE: A major driving licence change is about to hit 50,000,000 people
Wales Online
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- Wales Online
Huge sum raised for family of 'one of the best' killed in crash
Huge sum raised for family of 'one of the best' killed in crash Dai Roberts from the Carmarthen area died 13 years after his brother was also killed in a rally crash. He's been described as a 'winner in life' who had a 'big, big heart' Rally co-driver Dai Roberts from Carmarthenshire, who died in a crash on May 24 (Image: Motorsport UK ) Almost £150,000 has been raised for the family of 'one of the best' who tragically died in a rally car during an event in Scotland. Dai Roberts, from Carmarthenshire, was killed on Saturday, May 24, having been involved in a crash while taking part in the Jim Clark Rally in the Scottish Borders. Emergency services were called to the crash site that morning but Mr Roberts, who was 39, was pronounced dead at the scene. He was co-driver in the rally car, while the driver, James Williams, was taken to hospital with serious but not life-threatening injuries. To make matters even more tragic for the Roberts family, Dai's brother Gareth also died while rallying in Sicily 13 years ago. Stay informed on Carms news by signing up to our newsletter here . In the wake of Mr Roberts' death last month, a fundraising page was set up in order to raise 'as much as possible for the funeral and on-going support for Dai's wife and children'. Incredibly, more than £100,000 was raised to help Mr Roberts' family in less than two days, while now, less than two weeks later, the total stands at £147,855. Motorsport journalist Luke Barry wrote on the website Dirtfish: 'It never, ever gets any easier. It never, ever feels fair. But for a family that has gone through so much pain, the heartbreaking loss of Dai Roberts has been particularly tough to take. 'The impact he made on the rallying community is immeasurable, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, professionalism and, above all, kindness. Article continues below 'Everybody has a story about him - each and every one unique and now so dearly cherished. But all underpinned by one common theme: Dai's big, big heart. Even when he didn't have time to speak to you, he made time to speak to you. 'The outpouring of emotion and online tributes since the heartbreaking news speak volumes. Dai improved lives. Dai was a winner on the special stages, but more importantly a winner in life.' Dai Roberts (right) with driver James Williams, who was also injured in the crash (Image: James Williams media office ) Other tributes paid to Mr Roberts since his death help paint a picture of the type of man he was. Co-driver Rob Fagg said: 'Dai as we walked back this morning (Saturday) from collecting our time cards, laughing and joking I didn't ever expect that to be the last time. One of the best in the seat, great friend in the sport over many, many years of competition. You will be missed by so many my friend.' Fellow Welsh rally driver Meirion Evans said: 'It's hard to know what to say, something like this hits hard and it still feels a bit numb. But there aren't many like Dai. 'A proper co-driver, driver, decent footballer, all round competitor and one of the most determined and strong people I have ever come across. My thoughts go out to the entire Roberts family.' Andy Davies, a British rally driver and close friend of Mr Roberts, said: 'Still struggling to process and acknowledge the reality of this. The world can be so damn cruel. 'Never more than a phone call away, Dai stepped up when I needed it most. He always had the answers. Someone I always had the utmost respect for, and someone I was lucky to call a friend. 'A life lived, a mark left on the world for so many. We all have a story about Dai. I'll look back on the memories, and miss you so very much.' Article continues below If you would like to contribute to the fundraising page set up for Mr Roberts' family, you can still do so here. Join our WhatsApp news community here for the latest breaking news.
Western Telegraph
02-06-2025
- Automotive
- Western Telegraph
James Williams Rallying pays tribute to Dai Roberts
James Williams of Newcastle Emlyn and Dai Roberts, 39, from Carmarthen, were involved in a crash during the Jim Clark Rally, near Duns in the Scottish Borders, on Saturday May 24. Tragically Dai did not survive his injuries while James, 27, was taken to hospital with critical injuries that were not life-threatening. James Williams Rallying has posted a tribute to Dai, as well as an update into James' condition in the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Hospital. 'Our hearts are with the Roberts family,' said the tribute posted on Facebook. 'Dai was a deeply loved member of our rallying family and the rallying community across the world. 'He was not only a co-driver to James, but a best friend, a pivotal part of our family-run team, and a loving and devoted husband and father. His warmth, humour and passion touched everyone who knew him and love that transcended motorsport.' The post sent love and support to Dai's family and to 'everyone who was lucky enough to know and love Dai'. 'He will always be with us in our hearts and in our stories,' it read. 'We will all step-up for the Roberts family, the way Dai always showed up for so many on so many occasions.' James from Newcastle Emlyn has undergone successful surgery at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. He is now stable, able to communicate and slowly gaining strength with each passing day. 'He has received incredible care from the emergency services and hospital team, for which we are endlessly grateful,' said the James Williams Rallying team. 'While there is still a long journey ahead both physically and emotionally, the trajectory so far has been positive.' The update said that the messages sent by supporters had been shared with James and 'truly meant so much'. 'The support from the rallying and wider community has been overwhelming and deeply appreciated by everyone around James,' said the post. 'Thank you for your continued compassion, respect, privacy and support to both families during this incredibly difficult time.' James and Dai were in a Hyundai i20N Rally2 as they battled for the lead of the British Rally Championship contest. Police Scotland said that inquiries were ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the crash. Motorsport UK has also initiated a full investigation and says it will work closely with the Jim Clark Rally event organisers and Jim Clark Memorial Motor Club and will co-operate with the relevant authorities.
ITV News
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- ITV News
British Rally Championships: 'Incredible legacy' of a driver who was killed in crash will live on
The British Rally Championships have paid tribute to competitor Dai Roberts who died in a crash, saying "his incredible legacy" will live on across "every car for years to come". Co-driver Dai Roberts, from Carmarthen in south Wales, died after the incident on the Edrom Mains road, near Duns, before 11am on 24 May 2025. Rally driver James Williams was taken to hospital with serious injuries. Police Scotland confirmed that no one else was injured in the incident. The organisation said the 39-year-old "touched everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him." In a statement, they said: "Hailing from his beloved Carmarthen, he was a man deeply rooted in the sport, with a career spanning over 22 years at both national and international levels. "His partnership with several talented drivers, including James Williams in recent seasons, was built not only on skill but on unwavering trust. "Drivers and teams knew they could count on him, his timing was meticulous, his notes delivered with unshakeable calm, and his attention to detail was second to none. "But beyond the stages, it was Dai's character that made him special. He was gentle, humble, and unfailingly generous with his time, whether helping a newcomer find their feet or checking in quietly on a teammate after a tough day. To many, he was the soul of a service park: never loud, but always present when it mattered. "Dai knew all too well the fragility of life in motorsport, yet, despite such heartbreak, he continued, his love for rallying never dimmed, and neither did his strength. "He is survived by his family, including his wife Louise and children, who were the centre of his world. "They and the wider rallying community continue to grieve not only for a competitor, but a man who lived with fire in his belly, gave generously, and left the sport better than he found it. "Dai Roberts was, simply put, one of rallying's good souls. His ferocious passion on the stages and quick wit and humour away from them will live on with his incredible legacy that will roll out the service park with every car for years to come." The motorsport group say they will honour the welshman's legacy in future events. Motorsport UK, the sport's governing body, are conducting a "full investigation" into the circumstances of Dai's death. In a statement last weekend, the group said: "Motorsport UK sends its condolences to Dai's family and friends, the Jim Clark Rally, Jim Clark Memorial Motor Club and members of the motorsport community." The Jim Clark Rally event, which is a road competition near Duns in honour of Berwickshire motorsport legend Jim Clark, was cancelled on 25 May 2025.
