A FORMER North-East MEP is set to become one of the most powerful figures in world sport.

Alan Donnelly, ex-leader of the Labour Group in the European Parliament, is being groomed to take over the top job in Formula One motor racing.

Sources within the sport say he has been earmarked to take over as President of the FIA - the governing body of world motorsport - when current incumbent Max Mosley retires in a few years.

The FIA, which stands for Federation Internationale d'Automobile, is the governing and sanctioning body for the Formula One world drivers championship, the title currently held by Michael Schumacher.

As president, Mr Donnelly, who represented Tyne and Wear in the European Parliament for ten years before stepping down in 1999, would wield enormous power over a sport which attracts millions of television viewers worldwide.

The position is seen as second only to that of Sepp Blatter, president of FIFA, football's governing body, in terms of world sport influence and kudos.

The FIA president is responsible for setting the rules and policy of Formula One.

A keen fan of motorsport, Mr Donnelly has been involved in Formula One for many years but has recently adopted a more prominent role.

In 1996, he was working with the sport's governing body and has attended several events as a guest of the FIA in his role as chairman of a European Auto Users group.

Since last year, however, he has attended several grand prix as Mr Mosley's representative. Most recently, Mr Mosley took the unusual step of calling a Press conference to officially introduce him to the world's media.

The former union officer, from Jarrow, is now talked of openly as the heir apparent when Mr Mosley retires in a couple of years' time.

Although the presidency is decided by a vote, Mr Mosley is very well regarded within the motorsport community. His backing for a candidate could well prove decisive.

To reinforce his FIA credentials, Mr Donnelly now has his own motor home which is parked in the paddock at every Formula One motor race