South Africa Slams Todt for Arrogant Remarks

Although several European nations have announced their public support of Jean Todt for the International Automobile Federation (FIA) presidency, that doesn't mean the Frenchman will easily win the battle against Ari Vatanen for that seat. More, if the former Ferrari-an continues to make arrogant remarks such as the one made towards South Africa the other weekend, we're quite sure he won't be such a loved character when and if he'll become president of the ruling body.

In an interview with British newspaper The Telegraph, Todt made some rather disturbing comments regarding the African nation. The next FIFA World Cup host is regarded as a nation with no interest in Formula One racing whatsoever in the aforementioned interview.

“The FIA has over 172 mobility clubs and sporting clubs. And I am not sure that they are concerned with who is going to be the F1 Commissioner. Do you think people in South Africa care what is happening in F1?” rhetorically asked Todt.

Only days later, on Monday, his comments were answered very critical by Beaulah Schoeman, Managing Director of Motorsport South Africa, who suggested that South Africa is no lesser nation than France in terms of F1 importance.

“Mr Todt's comment questioning 'whether people in South Africa care (about) what is happening in F1', is a perfect example of his arrogance and the contempt with which African countries have been - and are being treated - by the FIA and confirms that if he is elected, this will continue," said Schoeman, according to British publication Autosport.

"Todt's comment is not only an insult to South Africa, but to all African countries. South Africa is extremely proud of the fact that a past F1 World Champion (Jody Scheckter) is a South African – and that many very successful F1 Grands Prix were held in our country, which presently broadcasts every grand prix throughout Africa."

"In fact, South Africa had a F1 world champion fully six years before Todt's homeland, and while South Africa does not presently have a race on the F1 calendar, France does not, either. Accordingly it is very pleasing to note that Jody's name does not appear on the list of F1 drivers who support Todt."