David Ware: « I did not act inappropriately »

The general manager of the FIA Foundation, David Ward, has denied suggestions that he acted inappropriately by expressing his support for Jean Todt in the upcoming presidential election. The Daily Telegraph revealed a leak of emails from a charity technically independent of the FIA, where strategies in favor of Jean Todt and modifications to the Frenchman’s documents were reportedly being discussed.

Robert Darbelnet, head of the American organization AAA (American Automobile Association), wrote to the Foundation to express his concern about David Ward’s actions and the attached copies of the correspondence in question: « If the Foundation’s resources have been used to support an election campaign, its activities are unlikely to be considered as pursuits in the interest of charity. It could also confer an unauthorized personal advantage on a trustee and create a reputational risk for the Foundation. »

The FIA Foundation stated that it would look into these issues in a statement on its website and David Ward also emphasized that his work on Jean Todt’s campaign is separate from his duties with the charity.

« The syndic must not be aware that I am employed by the Foundation for four days a week. During my free time and on a voluntary basis, I contributed to Jean Todt’s candidacy by developing the policy agenda and providing advice to his campaign, but without taking any public position. » Explains Mr. Ward. « My assistance did not involve the use of the Foundation’s resources. In fact, I took care to avoid doing so and as you know, I suggested that we delay the decision-making on grant requests made by the FIA clubs until after the election. »

« Even if all of this happened on personal time and without the use of any of the Foundation’s resources. The tone of the communication in Appendix B, if true, raises serious ethical questions, » concluded the head of the AAA.