It is common for the governing body of a sporting discipline to have that power. They are recognised as the ruling authority around the world, and that is where the power cones from. Yes, a rival series can start up, but they will struggle to get recognition without the FIA's backing.
Quote Originally Posted by Zeakiwi
The Aussie v8 Supercars have also been to China and Bahrain. The drivers don't like it so much as they only have a small airfreighted container of spares.
Where they have been is not the point - *when* they went is. You will notice that they only go to a certain number of international events because of the rules set out by the FIA.