23-Oct-09: Jean Todt Replaces Max as FIA President

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This is F1 Minute and it’s the 23rd October 2009.

The FIA Presidency elections were held today and there was no waiting around for the result. About midday it was confirmed that Jean Todt had won the vote by 135 to Vatanen’s 49, with 12 non-votes. Todt’s first speech as President announced that he would be appointing commissioners to each world championship, so that he doesn’t have to run every single sport himself. Speculation begins now over who the F1 Commissioner will be. Meanwhile, FOTA chief Luca di Montezemolo said: “I am sure that, under his guidance, the Federation will be rejuvenated and will restore a climate open to dialogue and constructive collaboration with the teams and FOTA, thus ensuring stability of the regulations and the whole environment.”

Meanwhile, Donington Park is looking ever more shaky, as they confirmed their bond scheme has not worked. They are in crisis talks with Bernie, but it’s clear they need a serious investor to bail them out now.

That’s all for today, I’ll be back tomorrow with another F1 Minute.