The battle for that seat has been tough to say the least, with threats and personal attacks between the two candidates all over the media in recent weeks. Despite the FIA's constant calling for decency in the presidential campaign, it was actually the international body who intervened in the election process by lobbying for the Frenchman with several member clubs.
Only a couple of days before the election process was scheduled to take place, the two candidates agreed to stop the drama and focus on telling the world what is their plan once elected at the helm of the FIA. And, according to the several media reports in the UK, it seems Todt indeed holds the upper hand during today's elections, as he allegedly benefits from approximately 32 votes more than Vatanen.
“There are 224 clubs in the FIA, although it is believed only 210 are voting. Vatanen's camp believe that they have the support of 108 of them, with Todt's camp claiming to have 140 votes,” said a report issued by the Daily Telegraph earlier today.
As the same time, The Times newspaper notes that “Barring a shock, it looks as though ... Todt ... is going to carry the day against Ari Vatanen.”
One can never say Todt is a favorite in the fans' view, however, as several polls in the UK and throughout Europe show an immense winning margin for Vatanen, over his French counter-candidate. According to a poll conducted by The Guardian on their website, no less than 87 percent of the fans would vote for the former world rallying champion. Pity they won't get the chance to vote though, as the FIA rarely listens to the fans when politics are involved!
The meeting of the FIA is due this morning, with the results most likely to be announced during lunchtime.
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