Comments on: Max Mosley will give up FIA presidency – but he wants Jean Todt in charge

By: Martin

Martin — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:12:41 +0000

BINGO!!!!!!

By: manatcna

manatcna — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 22:26:40 +0000

Well, now it looks as if the whole of the FIA is corrupt.

By: Maksutov

Maksutov — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 21:17:20 +0000

haha.. that’s a good description

By: Leaf

Leaf — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 19:54:38 +0000

Short & sweet.

Todt NO
Vatenen YES

Too bad fans, teams don’t have any say in the matter.

By: Brian

Brian — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:58:49 +0000

What is a grid guy? But if that is what it takes to get your vote, then sure! But I can’t promise an F1 driver escort.

By: mp4-19b

mp4-19b — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:35:06 +0000

F***ing French Frog!!!!

By: Bartholomew

Bartholomew — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:52:41 +0000

I know what you mean. The really important issue is what you mentioned.

The rest is all gossip of ours just for the sake of having something to talk about.

By: Maksutov

Maksutov — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:39:15 +0000

Well Todt now finally speaks up and has confirmed that he will run for the FIA presidency

he says:

“I am enthusiastic and excited to serve as President of the FIA and very grateful for your consideration of my candidacy.”

He speaks in a way as though he has already been selected as the president. My guess is that most of the FIA members have given him strong support that he needs.

So I have feeling unless Ari Vatenen gets some major support from within FIA, he wont stand a chance. Todt will be Max Mosleys ghost, effectively the same person except I dont think Todt will act like a child, he will approach dealings more professionally though he will continue Mosley’s song.

By: Bartholomew

Bartholomew — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:58:34 +0000

I think Todt is a significant step forward in the wrong direction.
Might as well name Lou as FIA president directly

By: Hallard

Hallard — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:03:35 +0000

Thats the part that caught my attention too! They have pretty much laid it on the table, and admitted that Todt will be Mosley’s puppet, more of the same. I wish the teams could have a vote…

By: Hallard

Hallard — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:00:08 +0000

While I see your point, I respectfully disagree. President of the FIA is a regulatory position, and so beyond having a rudimentary understanding of the sport (which Ari has as well), JT’s experience as a competitor in motorsports doesnt make him any more suited to the position. Its like saying that a professional basketball player is more qualified to be a referree.

By: mani

mani — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:29:40 +0000

I read the letter of Mosley, but when I read this one from formula1.com… It is much clear, what they are planning for

“I think he would be the ideal person to continue but to also extend the work of the last 16 years,” said Mosley of the 63-year-old Frenchman in a letter to the FIA’s member clubs. “He can be relied on in all areas where the FIA is active. I very much hope you will give him your support.”

Announcing his campaign, Todt, who has been involved in motor sport since 1966 and led Ferrari to five straight championships between 2000 and 2004, said: “It is my intention to continue and expand the outstanding work of President Mosley.”

By: Jack

Jack — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:13:44 +0000

I’m just saying guys.

By: Make F1 not Gossip

Make F1 not Gossip — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 12:30:13 +0000

Never gonna happened – it’s more of the same – already the teams are supporting Ari Vatanen – he is the change – Todt is delegating Mad Max lack of sight into another one like him…

By: DGR-F1

DGR-F1 — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 07:46:37 +0000

Its a difficult choice isn’t it? An ex-rally driver and ex-politician or an ex-team principle and businessman (complete with do-goody good wife), who may or may not have ties with the previous president, and who may or may not have ties with the current teams, and who may or may not have influence over the other candidate!
If JT has really split from Ferrari, and is completely independent of Mad Max, then his managerial skills will be useful when negotiating with FOTA and CVC, and other race organisers. However, given his previous record in motorsport, and the possible allegations, would he be respected by all the teams?
On the other hand, AV has been in the position of most drivers, so may be able to communicate with everyone in the pit lane, has served the public independently of his racing career, and survived (I doubt if either Max or Bernie could ever get elected as MPs), but does he have the skills needed to win over the racing clubs who make up the FIA?
Its also interesting that Ari has already spoken to the BBC – has he also spoken to the other broadcasters? While Jean is off wowing the already-biased members of the FIA, who seem to care little for motorsport. Has he actually put his case forward to the media yet, in any country?
Its a tough call, and I would also be worried about who will be in control of the vote by the FIA if it happens. If the current President will be running the show, then we already know the outcome….

By: Ronman

Ronman — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 07:07:51 +0000

No dictators usually procreate, teach their first son how to be as savage and cunning as possible, make them drink alligator or camel blood. and then when they croak pass it to the son, who will pretend to be elected by 99.99% of the people, and then hang the 0.01% that didn’t vote. i know it sounds morbid, but Max is a saint in comparison…

but as a saying goes, the best democracy is fair dictatorship…

By: Ronman

Ronman — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 06:58:36 +0000

To be completely honest, although some of you are flipping at this, I think it perfectly makes sense.

as much as I respect Ari, and I think he would make a very good FIA president, having motor sport experience and political experience are on his side, but his lack of extended contact with the many types of motor sport is what makes him the weaker candidate.

Todt on the other hand, is one hell of an experienced Guy. WRC, Le Mans, F1, Rally Raid you name it, the guy has done it, he has even been involved in manufacturer politics, and motor sport politics. he’s got it all, and it think a person as professional as he is would know how to be objective in his job.
With Peugeot he gave his all to enter and win the WRC (in its most competitive era) in record time. he did roughly the same in F1 for Ferrari. So you can say that he would be loyal to whoever he is working for as long as he wants to be there.

If he becomes FIA pres. I think he would outdo Mosley’s 5 term achievements in 1, and I’m talking about the positive achievements. In terms of the negative achievements, I think it would be very hard to outdo Max Mosley….LOL

By: Pink Peril

Pink Peril — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 06:52:21 +0000

Err, so do us girls get our own personal ‘grid guy’ with your deal Brian?
Actually, if you can guarantee me my own personal F1 driver escort, I’ll vote for you !

By: DC

DC — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 05:00:11 +0000

It looks like it is time for a Vantanen vs. Todt poll!

By: PrisonerMonkeys

PrisonerMonkeys — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 03:59:19 +0000

Max might want Todt, but does he even get a say?

Negatory.