Formula One news

Vatanen standing for FIA presidency

Former World Rally Champion Ari Vatanen has revealed at the Nürburgring that he is in the running to take over the presidency of Formula One governing body the FIA when Max Mosley moves into retirement, confirming the Finn's intentions which were first suggested on Tuesday.

With the possibility of Mosley retiring at the end of his current term in October, Vatanen - WRC Champion of 1981 and four-time winner of the prestigious Dakar Rally - will be in the running for the position, which is determined by votes of the federation's member clubs in individual countries.

The role of FIA president has been held by Mosley since 1993

"Responding to requests from many FIA member clubs, I shall stand for presidential elections of the FIA in October this year", Vatanen said in Germany. "I think the time has come for a change; my main focus is to reconcile views within the FIA and bring transparency to its stakeholders. The duty of President is to defend billion automobilists and the great sport of ours."

With the FIA being the force behind a selection of championships ranging from truck racing to professional karting and the World Touring Car and Rally championships as well as Formula One, Vatanen - a member of the European parliament until this year - is particularly keen to contribute to a smooth running of F1 after a politically turbulent year.

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