FIA: Jean Todt, the favorite?

If the Formula 1 occupies a lot of space, it is not the only discipline interested in the name of the future president of the International Automobile Federation. However, given the amounts involved and the popularity of F1, the latter will be the most attentive to the appointment of Max Mosley. Because this one, for twenty years, will have given a hard time to the F1 teams, who have never held the Briton in their hearts. Max Mosley having clarified that he would not continue his mission at the end of this mandate, the name of his successor is eagerly awaited.

Jean Todt, who officially applied as a candidate this Thursday, is the second to announce his intentions, less than a week after Ari Vatanen. Former sports director of Peugeot en rally and in endurance, then Ferrari in Formula 1, the Auvergne has a keen knowledge of motorsport. His experience at the head of the Team, punctuated by six constructors' titles and five F1 world championship driver titles, is undoubtedly a weight in his candidacy. However, it is also a disadvantage, with most members of FOTA (Formula 1 Team Association) having expressed their desire to see an “independent” FIA president.

On this side, Ari Vatanen seems closer to FOTA's desire. The Finn, world rally champion in 1981, has been able to sharpen his political sense in recent years, as a member of the European Parliament. Vatanen has already started his campaign, having visited the Nürburgring last weekend to tour the paddocks. On this occasion, he was able to give his first interviews and share his vision of what motorsport should be. If the Finn scored points, Jean Todt, despite Max Mosley's preference towards him, must now get to work in order to get back into the race.