Formula One news

Whitmarsh behind Vatanen for FIA presidency

Martin Whitmarsh believes that, with racing experience behind him plus a political background in recent years, Finland's Ari Vatanen would be a perfect candidate as FIA president once Max Mosley retires from the position.

Martin Whitmarsh became McLaren team principal this season

With Mosley expected by many to leave his post at the end of his current term in October, fingers are pointing towards either Vatanen or former Ferrari team principal Jean Todt as possible successors for the man who has held the job since 1993. "I don't know Ari particularly but I think he is clearly fresh and new and I think refreshing the sport would be quite good," said McLaren team principal Whitmarsh. "He was a very successful rally driver and a World Champion, so I think he understands competition - I think that is fresh."

As well as winning the Dakar Rally no less than four times and clinching the WRC title in 1981, Vatanen was a member of the European parliament until this year. "He has been a successful politician; I don't know if that is a plus or a minus but I think, inevitably, it is a plus because - whether we like it or not - none of us were signed up here to get involved in politics but there is a fair amount of it involved in F1," Whitmarsh continued. "If someone is going to be a reformer, he has the credentials to do that.

"It'll be interesting to see what happens in the coming months but, if Max is not standing again and Ari is a candidate, I am sure he will get a lot of support as he seems to be a balanced and sensible individual."

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