David Richards Accuses FIA of Ethical Shift in Motorsport Governance

David Richards, the chairman of MotorsportUK, has openly accused the president of the world governing body FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, of a 'shift of the moral compass'. Richards' accusation comes in an open letter, highlighting concerns about the 'levels of transparency, accountability and integrity' within the organization. The row stems from Richards being barred from attending a meeting of the FIA world council for refusing to sign a confidentiality agreement. Richards' remarks are in response to the FIA's answer to his previous open letter expressing his concerns. Legal action over the issue is ongoing. The FIA defends the confidentiality agreement as a standard part of business. Richards hopes to meet Ben Sulayem at this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix to discuss the matter. Also, a meeting of F1's engine manufacturers with the FIA and F1 is set to take place in Bahrain to discuss engine plans.