Britain loses its seat on World Council

Colin Hilton, the new chief executive of the MSA, British motorsport's governing body, had been the chosen candidate for the position but his bid failed to receive enough votes. Turkey's representative, Mumtaz Tahincioglu, has taken his place instead.

For the first time ever, Britain does not have a representation on the council, which makes crucial decisions on almost all international rulings.

A number of high profile British motorsport figures have been dismayed by the news.

World Rally supremo David Richards told AUTOSPORT: "What we're talking about is a four-year absence, which is a very substantial period without representation.

"It's a bit like being a major player in the EC, but not having a seat in the European parliament. It's a sad state to be in and bad planning by the MSA not to come up with a candidate who was acceptable," he added.

Englishman Max Mosley has won a third term as FIA president, but he does not represent British interests in any way.