- 17 Jul 09, 20:48#133875From F1 Live:
Speaking to Spanish daily AS, FIA presidential candidate Ari Vatanen has hit back at Max Mosley's blessing of rival candidate Jean Todt.
"It is not right that Max wishes to impose a new leader, with the federation supporting his campaign," Vatanen said. "The FIA is not a kingdom, it is a republic in which leaders are elected democratically."
In a letter sent to FIA members on Wednesday, Mosley confirmed his retirement at the end of his mandate in October and strongly proposed former Ferrari team boss Jean Todt as the best man for the job. The following day Todt announced his candidacy and warmly thanked Mosley for his backing.
Vatanen explained that Todt represents more of the same while his programme highlights a 'transparent' and 'democratic' approach.
During the interview he claimed that Ferrari do not want the controversial Todt as President of the FIA as they fear for F1's credibility.
"But the same would be true if Ross Brawn or Flavio Briatore ran," the Finn remarked. "The President of the FIA must be neutral."
However, as a 1981 World Rally Champion, the former European Parliament member was asked if his own ties to the rally world should be considered in the same manner.
"I will not deny that I carry rallies in my heart, but that does not mean they will take priority," Vatanen responded.
He defined the FIA as the head of a large family counting a billion citizen drivers and thousands of athletes, a large family he wishes to lead.
"We have one mouth but two ears, and my intention is to listen to the whole world," Vatanen declared.
Daniel BASTIEN
© CAPSIS Internati
From F1 Live:
Carlos Gracia, Spain's FIA representative, says he has not decided whether to back the Presidential campaigns of Ari Vatanen or Jean Todt.
He told the Spanish newspaper Diario AS that Vatanen, believed to have the support of the Formula One teams, ‘had the courtesy to come to Spain to explain his ideas’.
"He recognises the importance of our country. I share 90 percent of his ideas," Gracia added.
As for Todt, Gracia said the Frenchman is a ‘good candidate’ but because he is Max Mosley's preferred successor "I worry about there being a period of continuity."
The Spaniard has already put on the record his fears about Todt's previous alliances with Ferrari and Peugeot.
After Vatanen elected to meet in person with Gracia, meanwhile, it is revealed that Todt instead "preferred to communicate via telephone."
He said he will not announce who he will support ‘until later’.
"It is true that until now we have supported Max Mosley, but once disconnected from his position we can take our decision freely," Gracia said.
He also raised the possibility that Monaco's Michel Boeri will be another ‘great candidate’ to be the next FIA President.
Source: GMM
© CAPSIS International
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