Formula One news

Todt vows to be neutral

As FIA presidential candidate Ari Vatanen released details of his cabinet on Thursday evening, rival Jean Todt has promised to remain neutral should he be elected to take the position. The leader of the motorsport governing body will change in October for the first time since 1993 as Max Mosley steps down.

With Todt having represented Ferrari as team principal from 1993 to 2007, critics say that no former F1 team member should be elected as leader of the Paris-located FIA although the Frenchman stresses that parity would be present between all involved.

Todt chats with Renault team principal Flavio Briatore

"Initially, some people suggested that I would be Ferrari's choice for the presidency, then the media was that told that Ferrari didn't want me and the Scuderia responded by saying that they were in fact neutral," said the 63-year-old from Pierrefort. "Of course, I completely agree with them. They should be neutral, as I will be to all the teams if I am elected as president - this is a question of commitment and professionalism."

Whereas Finland's Vatanen was the World Rally Champion in 1981 and has recently retired after spending ten years as a European Parliament member, Todt believes that his leadership experiences across the motorsport platform are more valuable for the job in hand. "The success I have enjoyed, with every team that I have ever worked with, has been founded upon professionalism and a total commitment to that team's goals," he continued.

"My approach to the FIA is no different; I would not contemplate running for election as president if I could not focus all my professionalism, energy and commitment upon achieving the goals which are in the best interests of the FIA - acting as the guardian of the FIA's independence is central to this."

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