SUPERCARS CEO Shane Howard has sung the praises of Michael Masi as the ex-Formula 1 race director closes in on being appointed as the championship’s new Commission chairman.
It was announced earlier this month Neil Crompton’s tenure in the role had ended.
Howard is acting as interim chair until a permanent replacement is found; it’s widely believed that Masi is a lock for the job.
While stopping short of confirming as much, Howard has now publicly spoken in support of the Australian.
“Would we like Michael Masi? Yeah, I certainly would like Michael Masi. I think he is a great candidate for it,” he told Mark Fogarty on last night’s Parked Up Plus episode.
“He has worked with the sport for a long time, with us, with Super2 and through the administration with us.
“Obviously he has worked for MA (Motorsport Australia) and the FIA, he has been involved with race teams.
“He’s a great candidate for it and he will certainly be well considered.”
Howard claimed it’s not a done deal just yet: “We have got to go through a process which we are commencing.
“Is Michael an option? He would be a very good option, yes.”
Masi was dumped from his F1 post following the controversial end to the 2021 world championship decider at Abu Dhabi.
Nevertheless, he is a well-liked and respected figure in the Australian motorsport industry, with his impending appointment well received in the Sandown paddock.
He would become the fourth long-term Commission chair, following Mark Skaife, Steve Horne and Crompton.
Tim Edwards had initially stood-in in an interim capacity until Skaife completed his 2011 co-driver duties.
