FIA President Ben Sulayem Highlights Strong Japan Partnership in Driving Global Mobility and Motorsport Innovation

Technology

FIA President Ben Sulayem Highlights Strong Japan Partnership in Driving Global Mobility and Motorsport Innovation

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has concluded a high-level official visit to Japan, emphasizing the deepening collaboration between the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and Japan in promoting global progress in both mobility innovation and motorsport development.

Hosted by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) and its President Masayoshi Sakaguchi, the visit served as a platform for strengthening strategic alliances that support the FIA’s mission to drive innovation, enhance safety, and ensure sustainability across the automotive and motorsport sectors.

Ben Sulayem engaged with top-level government leaders including Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Koji Murofushi, Commissioner of the Japan Sports Agency, and Hiromasa Nakano, Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. Discussions centered on critical shared goals such as the adoption of cleaner technologies, improved road safety, increased access to motorsport, and the integration of smart infrastructure to support future urban mobility.

“Japan continues to lead by example in both mobility innovation and motorsport,” said Ben Sulayem. “Meeting with Prime Minister Ishiba and other distinguished officials was an honor, and I witnessed firsthand the nation’s commitment to transformation and excellence. From government policy to international racing, Japan exemplifies how motorsport and mobility can benefit society at large.”

During the visit, Ben Sulayem praised JAF for its dual leadership role in both sport and mobility, representing over 20 million members and successfully hosting several FIA World Championship events. He also acknowledged the crucial role played by Mr. Akio Toyoda, Chairman of Toyota and an active member of the FIA Senate, in strengthening the ties between Japan’s automotive industry and the FIA’s global vision.

Japan’s motorsport sector is currently experiencing robust growth. JAF has reported over 200,000 licensed racing drivers—a 20% increase over five years—while the 2025 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix recorded its highest spectator attendance since 2006. Simultaneously, Japan’s mobility sector continues to impress, with a national focus on smart cities, hydrogen fuel technology, and sustainability initiatives. The country’s smart transportation market was valued at $6.9 billion last year, underscoring its leadership in real-world innovation.

The visit underscored the shared goals of the FIA and Japan in accelerating the future of global transportation and sport. The integration of smart transport apps, data-driven policy-making, and infrastructure planning demonstrates Japan’s proactive stance in reshaping urban mobility ecosystems.

Following his engagements in Japan, Ben Sulayem is now headed to Macau for the 2025 FIA Extraordinary General Assembly and Annual Conference. The event will welcome over 500 senior FIA delegates from 149 countries, marking a significant moment in the federation’s global calendar as it continues to unify efforts across mobility and motorsport sectors worldwide.