Todt calls for unity

Todt even suggested there may be a role for Michael Schumacher within the FIA

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Saturday, 24, Oct 2009 10:05

By Adam Leveridge.

Newly elected FIA president Jean Todt has called for unity in the governing body, following the battle between himself and his rival for the position Ari Vatanen.

Todt announced his intention to stand for the role of president of the FIA after receiving an endorsement from outgoing president Max Mosley when the Briton revealed he would not be standing again.

Mosley's decision to publicly back Todt caused outrage in the Vatanen camp and led to threats of court action and accusations of unfair lobbying and vote buying in the days leading up to the election.

"I like action, I like to make things go forward and I am really happy to see that so many countries chose me but everything is yet to be done," Todt is quoted at saying by Reuters.

"The day the election is over, everybody must share the same goals, including those who did not support me. I am not closing the door to anybody."

Todt has said he will keep the promises he made in his election manifesto and he even hinted that there could be a place within the governing body for seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher.

"I want to nominate commissioners because I am not intending to run formula one as a first person," said Todt.

"I don't want to underestimate the problems but success in my career has always been to have the right people in my teams."

Speaking about Schumacher, Todt said: "He is like a son. There has always been a place for him next to me and there will still be."

Todt's predecessor Mosley said he is happy with the outcome of the election, saying that the FIA is in good hands.

"Todt is very capable of handling the job - he is a very honest and direct man. We couldn't have had somebody better than him," Mosley told the Associated Press.