Jean-Marie Balestre: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 21:10, 3 November 2006

Revision as of 17:48, 19 November 2006

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Jean-Marie was heavily involved in what is colloquially called the [[FISA-FOCA war]], a political battle over finances and control of the [[Formula One]] World Championships between [[1980]] and [[1982]]. Balestre and his opponent, [[Bernie Ecclestone]], settled the dispute after [[Enzo Ferrari]] brokered a compromise. Balestre signed the first [[Concorde Agreement]], under which FOCA was granted the commercial rights to Formula One while the FIA retained control of all sporting and technical regulations.

Balestre is credited with establishing specific [[crash test]] requirements for Formula One cars, significantly improving the safety of the sport. He was also a key proponent of the switch to [[naturally aspirated engine]]s in [[1989]], also arguing that such a move was essential for safety reasons. However, Balestre has also been accused of using his power for more than it was intended. In 1989, after [[Ayrton Senna]] and [[Alain Prost]] collided at Suzuka, there were implications in [[Autosport]] Magazine that Balestre was involved in manipulating the World Championship in favor of Prost. This ultimately led to [[Max Mosley]]'s decision to run for the FISA presidency.

Balestre was elected as president of the FIA, while remaining president of FISA, in [[1986]]. He was replaced as president of FISA in 1991, when he lost the election to [[Max Mosley]]. Inin 1993October theby mergera vote of FISA43 andto the29. FIAFacing sawcertain Maxdefeat Mosleyin assumethe re-election to the roleFIA ofpresidency presidentin October of the1993, remainingJean-Marie bodyelected whichto retainedstand down, and proposed that FISA be abolished and Mosley replace him as president of the FIA name. Balestre maintained the presidency of the FFSA until the end of 1996.

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