Max Mosley backed former Ferrari boss Jean Todt as his ideal successor after ending speculation that he would seek a fifth term as head of motorsport’s world governing body.
The International Automobile Federation president wrote to all member clubs saying he had received almost 100 messages of support from within the organisation but had decided to stand down anyway.
Mosley, 69, said a new commercial ‘Concorde’ agreement for Formula One was close to being finalised while new teams had been brought in and costs reduced.
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The Briton hinted recently that he was considering standing again but on Wednesday said it would “greatly complicate my domestic arrangements and be inconsistent with my obligations to my family.”
He presented Todt as the best man to take over, an endorsement that would give the Frenchman a huge advantage for the October election but that is unlikely to go down well with Formula One teams still threatening a breakaway series.
“I believe the right person to head that team would be Jean Todt,” he added. “Jean is unquestionably the outstanding motor sport manager of his generation and arguably of any generation.” Yahoo Eurosports
‘If he agrees to stand, I think he would be the ideal person to continue, but also to 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.’
Mosley also dismissed suggestions Todt would be neither impartial nor independent given his background, most notably with Ferrari.
“I must emphasise, he would not in any way be a motor industry candidate,” insisted Mosley.
He would have no special relationship with his former company, Ferrari, nor with Peugeot Citroen, the manufacturer behind his former World Rally, Cross-Country and Le Mans teams.
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“‘He would preserve the independence of the FIA.”
If Todt decides to stand he will be up against former World Rally champion Ari Vatanen after the 57-year-old Finn announced his candidature last week. Daily Mail
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