In the same letter in which he announced he will not run for another presidential mandate of the FIA in October this year, the 69-year old Brit named Todt as his successive figure. While complementing the Frenchman for his achievements in motor sport throughout his long-time career, he also asked the FIA members to vote for him. Literally.
“If he agrees to stand, I think he would be the ideal person to continue but also extend the work of the past 16 years. He can be relied on in all areas where the FIA is active. I very much hope you will give him your support,” said Mosley in his letter.
As Vatanen is Todt's only rival for the job – for the time being – Mosley's public backing of Todt is surely not doing him any favors. Although he is preferred at the helm of the FIA by the majority of the F1 teams, the ones who actually vote for the new president are the members of the FIA, who are considered feverish supporters of Mosley.
“It is wrong that Max wants to impose the new leader,” said the 57-year old Finn in an interview with Spanish newspaper Diario AS. “The FIA is not a kingdom but rather a republic whose leaders are elected democratically,” added the 1981 World Rally champion.
Earlier this week, Vatanen also insisted that his candidature stands for a change in policy for the FIA, whereas choosing Todt would maintain Mosley's ideas inside world motor racing.
“You need a new star, you need an independent person who represents change. The fact that he has FIA support may somewhat distort the situation, but I'm not worried. When the wind starts changing, it does change. (...) FIA simply needs to recuperate its dignity and integrity. We need a new start,” Vatanen was quoted as saying to the Associated Press a couple of days ago.
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