From the archive: Balestre's false optimism
October 9 marks the 20th anniversary of Jean-Marie Balestre's ousting as president of motorsport's governing body by Max Mosley. Two months earlier, he outlined his plan for the future to Bob Constanduros for AUTOSPORT
Now 70 years of age, Jean-Marie Balestre has been president of FISA - the worldwide governing body of motorsport - for 13 years. In that time he has weathered storms, takeover bids, a constant shower of brickbats and even personal illness. Yet he shows no signs of weakening his grip on the sport.
He knows that he makes mistakes - but then who doesn't, he says. The criticism and the errors are water off a duck's back to the president, because he is driven forward by a positive attitude. He only looks back to see hoe the sport has progressed from what it was.
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