People

Lars Osterlind

In recent years the FIA has adopted a system of having four permanent Formula 1 stewards who officiate at four Grands Prix each every year. The intention is for them to ensure that there is some consistency in the decision-making processes. Sweden's Lars Osterlind is one of them.Born on the day the war ended in Europe in 1945, Osterlind had a gift for languages and, after leaving school, he worked as a language teacher before deciding that he wanted a career in management training. He then studied social sciences at Stockholm University and graduated with a masters degree and began teaching management techniques. He soon found a niche working with the Swedish Federation of Employers, a position he held for five years.A racing and rallying fan, he joined the Svenska Bilsportforbundet - Sweden's national motor sporting authority - and in 1982 he became its president. Three years later he won a seat on the World Motor Sport Council and between 1985 and 1998 he became a leading light in international motorsport politics.With increasing international commitments, he decided to start his own business and established a successful book and video distribution company, specializing in management training. Often tipped as a possible future FIA President, Osterlind was one of Max Mosley's chief allies when the Englishman plotted to overthrow President Jean-Marie Balestre in 1991. When Mosley took over the FIA, Osterlind became a Vice-President and has been one of the top names at the FIA ever since.