JUNE 28, 2001

Todt ready to finish in 2004

JEAN TODT has said he will step down from his post of sporting director at Ferrari when his current contract ends in 2004.

JEAN TODT has said he will step down from his post of sporting director at Ferrari when his current contract ends in 2004.

Todt and the design team of Ross Brawn, Rory Byrne, Paolo Martinelli, as well as driver Michael Schumacher have all pledged their allegiance to the Italian team until the end of 2004.

And Todt's announcement, at Magny Cours, that he will move on will cast serious doubt over the continuation of the team as it is after that time.

"It is decided in my head that somebody will take over my position after 2004," said Todt.

"What ever you do, you always think about the future. If I will say what is happening from 2004 to 2010 you will ask 'what are you going to do after 2010?'.

"That's one of the reasons why we are strong, because we are not worried about somebody taking over your position."

Todt revealed that he is already looking at suitable replacements for himself and his colleagues, but they will have to be well gelled to continue Ferrari's excellent team performance after 2004.

"I hope that, together with my group, I will be able to identify the good people for Ferrari to succeed after 2004," said Todt. "We need to do well, we are doing quite well, but things can change very quickly.