MARCH 7, 2013

FIA president Todt likely to stay beyond 2013

Jean Todt looks set to remain FIA president for a second term.

The former Ferrari chief (135 votes) beat ex world rally champion Ari Vatanen (49 votes) to the post in late 2009.

67-year-old Frenchman Todt's first term ends late this year, and he is eligible to run for another four years.

Reports by the French-language AFP and La Presse claim Todt has secured the ongoing backing of the motoring federations in North, South and Central America.

"When the people in North, South and Central America say with one voice that you must be present, it is clear that making the decision to continue will be easier," Todt is quoted as saying.

"It will weigh heavily in my thinking."

"There is still some way to go, but if you have a team pushing you to continue, it is obvious that it makes you want to continue," he added.

(GMM)