Indian industrialist and racing enthusiast Gautam Singhania was today elected to the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) of the Federation International deÍ Automobile (FIA) as a Titular member during the motorsport body's General Assembly in Paris.

Singhania was Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India’s (FMSCI) top nominee at the FIA. The Indian motorsport body's earlier top representative at FIA was Sahara Force India F1 team boss Vijay Mallya, who stepped down from the post in July this year.

"It’s a privilege and honour to be elected. I am a driver and an enthusiast so I understand the issues that need to be addressed,” Singhania said in a statement.

Akbar Ebrahim, president of the FMSCI, was named as a deputy Titular and will also represent India in the WMSC along with Singhania.

The World Motor Sport Council has responsibility for all aspects of international motor sport. It meets at least four times a year to decide on rules, regulations, safety and development of motor sport at every level from karting to Formula One. It is made up of the FIA President, the deputy president for Sport, 7 vice-presidents, 14 titular members and 4 members by right.

Interestingly, the FIA's General Assembly saw Jean Todt become re-elected as president of the FIA for a third and final term. Todt stood unopposed and will now preside over the FIA until the end of 2021.