Todt has left his role as CEO of Ferrari following Kimi Raikkonen's world title in 2007, being replaced by Stefano Domenicali. However, the Frenchman chose to stay with Ferrari in different roles until the start of 2009.
Rumors about Todt leaving the prancing horse ahead of the new season have emerged a few months ago, and were linked with the Frenchman's possible run for FIA's presidential role in mid-2009. He is regarded as one of the few men to have the necessary abilities to become president of the international body, should Max Mosley decide not to run for another mandate.
In the meantime, Ferrari's Luca di Montezemolo praised Todt for his F1 services to the Italian company. The Frenchman joined the Maranello team in 1993 and turned it into a race-winning machinery shortly after the signing of German ace Michael Schumacher. Under Todt's managing, Ferrari have won 7 constructors' titles and 6 drivers' titles (through Schumacher and Kimi Raikkonen).
“Jean Todt has been one of the leading protagonists of the Ferrari story of the last 15 years. Skill and passion have always characterised his work and have won him my personal respect and affection, the one of the Company as a whole and of the Prancing Horse enthusiasts everywhere,” said di Montezemolo.
“I would like to wish him the very best for the future which I hope will prove extremely satisfying both personally and professionally. All of these years we've spent together - victories and tough times included - have forged a link between Jean Todt and Ferrari that will never be broken,” added the Italian official.
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