Jean versus Ari

After much humming and hawing, Max Mosley has finally stated that he will for sure, step down as FIA president. Queue the applause from many the world over. While has left, I'm sure many will feel it as a slap in the face that he is nominated Jean Todt, former Ferrari boss, as his replacement.

Over the past number of years, the FIA and Ferrari have been inextricably linked – how tight, well, that depends on which fans you talk to. The FIA has adopted the moniker has 'Ferrari In-season Assistance' amongst those supporting drivers fighting against the famous marquee.

How tight, well, I suppose we'll never know. We do know there was some below board dealings in place – such as Ferrari's ability to veto new rules by themselves. But after that, it's mostly conjecture.

The prospect of Jean Todt, FIA President is likely to have some people up in arms. Personally, I don't have anything against him getting the job – but at the same time, I also don't think that giving the job to a recent principal of an F1 team is the best thing going forward either. The same would go for other recent F1 team principals mentioned for the role.

So far, the only other candidate to put his name in the race is rally ace, Ari Vatanan. The Finn had a good interview with the BBC at the German Grand Prix this weekend and I'm sure, has a lot of public support for replacing Mosley.

The thing is – can Vatanen not be accused of the same sort of bias, when it comes to rallying? While F1 is the jewel in the FIA crown, it is easy to forget that it isn't the only motorsport under the FIA umbrella. Could Vatanen be under the same scrutiny from rally sceptics as Todt would be from F1 fans?

Chances are, whoever else runs, there is likely to be some conflict with some part. Why? I for one would hope that anyone who does apply, has experience in motorsport. While yes, getting someone without an outside perspective would rule out anyone being bias – at the same time the job needs to go someone with hands-on experience in the realm so they completely understand it.

Over the coming months, it will be interesting to see how Mosley's influence will help the Todt campaign. I don't think the outgoing president is lying when he said he had a lot of support to stay on – who wouldn't when he brings motorsport away from it's European home to the arse end of nowhere and a fat cheque with Bernie. He is likely to send all that support Todt's way, making Vatanen's job that more difficult to get elected.

I wonder, if Max sees Todt as a final slap in the face to the F1 teams, which he as duked it out with over the past number of months. Surely, is aware of the public perception of the close Ferrari-FIA links – and that the teams know of special agreements towards the Italian team. Its definitely going to beg questions from people on whether Todt will be his own man in the job, or simply Mosley's puppet.