Motor Sport:New FIA president Jean Todt has paved the way for close friend Michael Schumacher to enjoy a role within his new regime. After 16 years of Max Mosley rule, Todt is now the most powerful man in motor sport following a landslide election victory over Ari Vatanen.
Suggestions of a closer-than-predicted battle were blown away as Todt won by135 votes to 49, with 12 abstentions or invalid votes.
It was a crushing defeat for Vatanen, as predicted by Mosley in a contentious letter to HRH Prince Feisal of Jordan, one of the former World Rally champion’s nominations as vice-president.
In the letter Mosley stated Vatanen “would lose the election, and lose badly.”
That was part of the mud-slinging which tarnished the election, with Todt previously accusing Vatanen of making “personal attacks and false allegations.”
At one stage Vatanen threatened legal action, such was the apparent impropriety he felt was going on behind the scenes on behalf of Todt.
In the end, Vatanen could not count on the support enjoyed by the former Ferrari team principal, who had the likes of Mosley and Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone among his allies.
Dismissing Vatanen’s campaign claim that little will change under his leadership, Todt said: “I like action.
“I like to make things go forward and I am really happy to see so many countries chose me, but everything is yet to be done.”
In calling for unity, Todt added: “With the election over everybody must share the same goals, including those who did not support me.
“I am not closing the door to anybody.”
Although Vatanen called for a new broom to sweep through the FIA’s corridors of power, Todt said: “I disagree with those who say everything should be changed.
“During the campaign I spoke about constructive change, adaptation to the fact that things are different from what they were 10 years ago.
“We are facing a new crucial era for cars, the environment and global warming, which has strong implications for motor racing.”
Although Todt’s team are now in place, including deputy presidents and World Motor Sport Council members, one prominent figure may yet play a role in some capacity.
Schumacher won five of his seven titles with Todt at Ferrari and the 63-year-old Frenchman hinted at the possibility of the German expanding his ambassadorial role with the FIA.
“He is like a son. There has always been a place for him next to me and there still will be,” insisted Todt.
The Formula One Teams’ Association (Fota) have welcomed Todt’s appointment, despite previous concerns about his former allegiance to Ferrari.
However, Fota have also wasted no time in expressing how they want to see Todt perform as president in contrast to Mosley.
Fota chairman Luca di Montezemolo said: “I would like to send my best wishes to Jean in his new role as I have always appreciated his ability, dedication and commitment.
“I am sure that, under his guidance, the Federation will be rejuvenated and will restore a climate open to dialogue and constructive collaboration with the teams and Fota, thus ensuring stability of the regulations and the whole environment.
“Formula One is about to embark on a new phase.
“All the stakeholders must work together with an eye to the future, to increase the credibility and interest generated by this sport, tackling the technical and environmental challenges that await it, while keeping unchanged those characteristics that have made it one of the most popular disciplines on the world stage.”
Fota vice-chairman John Howett added: “I am convinced Jean’s presidency represents an opportunity for all Formula One’s stakeholders to unite under his leadership and work together to strengthen our sport.
“Fota is looking forward to supporting him to broaden the appeal of our sport among fans and sponsors, while respecting Formula One’s great heritage to which he has contributed enormously.”