Formula One news

Schumacher letter backs Todt for FIA Presidency

Michael Schumacher has sent a letter to all FIA member clubs explaining his reasons for why Jean Todt should be elected as FIA President this month. The Frenchman, former Principal of the team with which Schumacher won five of his seven titles, is running for the role against Finland's Ari Vatanen.

Michael Schumacher

With Max Mosley's retirement marking the first change of the FIA presidency since his takeover from Jean-Marie Balestre in 1993, Schumacher - who, like Mosley, is an open supporter of Todt - wrote to the FIA member clubs of various countries which will cumulatively vote in the new leader of the motoring governing body.

'I am writing this letter to you as a passionate supporter of motorsport as well as the mobility and automotive world,' Schumacher's letter begins. 'I hope you do not mind me approaching you to share some thoughts with you all.

Schumacher and Todt's partnership helped notch up 11 titles for Ferrari in as many seasons between 1996 and 2006

I am deeply convinced Jean Todt is the right person to be the next president of the FIA. Having worked together with him for nearly fifteen years, I believe I am entitled to say this with such strong certainty. His characteristics such as leadership, loyalty, commitment and knowledge are beyond question, but in my view his outstanding skill is the encouragement of teamwork.'

The German went on to acknowledge that some people may feel that Todt's leadership would be a mere continuation of that of Mosley although Schumacher explained that those who share the opinion 'do not know Jean'. The former World Champion added that the Frenchman would bring to the FIA the openness which is required.


You can read Schumacher's letter in full here

more news

• 25 Nov.
  • 'Fantastic opportunity' - Di Resta on Force India test
  • Recap: N.Technology court bid fails
  • BMW testers excited about Jerez
  • Brawn disappointed with Button drives, ponders Lauda
  • Piquet to drive in Massa kart race
  • Brawn aero chief wins award
  • Gillett disappointed with government position
  • Mercedes hopes to confirm line-up by Christmas
• 24 Nov.
  • Briatore verdict expected in January
  • Donington still hopeful over F1 race
  • Montreal race confirmation imminent
  • Massa names drivers for karting event
  • Campos car passes FIA safety tests
  • Strong test could seal drive, says Mallya
  • Force India to test di Resta and Hildebrand
  • Courts to hear Briatore case
  • Silverstone GP deal forthcoming
• 23 Nov.
  • GPUpdate TV: Sam Michael - building on 2009
  • Theissen waiting on entry decision
  • Mercedes delighted with Rosberg confirmation
  • Confirmed: Rosberg to Mercedes for 2010
  • Manor hoping to run in late January
  • Mercedes poised to announce first driver
  • Kobayashi: I expected to be re-signed
  • Nakajima future in Toyota's hands
  • Klien still hoping for 2010 seat
  • McLaren line-up will work, says Ecclestone
  • López: USF1 deal coming next week
• 22 Nov.
  • Photos: 2009 Toyota Motor Sports Festival
  • Vettel surprised by Button team switch
• 21 Nov.
  • Mercedes: No Schumacher drive with us
  • López close to USF1 deal
  • Options open for Bourdais
• 20 Nov.
  • FIA was using new teams, says Lola
  • Rossi and Newey to contest endurance race
  • Wolff: Worth of privateers on the up
  • Equity sale for 'private motives' - Williams
  • USF1 considering 12 drivers
  • Photos: SKUSA karting event, Las Vegas
  • Buemi and Schumacher to kart in Las Vegas

Homepage