Jul.10 (GMM) Ari Vatanen has admitted the possibility he may have to fight incumbent Max Mosley in the FIA presidential election later this year.
The Finnish former world rally champion and European Parliamentarian, at the Nurburgring this weekend, on Friday announced his intention to succeed 69-year-old Mosley at the head of F1's governing body.Mosley has indicated he wants to retire, and therefore Vatanen's announcement was interpreted by some as a move towards a smooth handover of power.But Vatanen, 57, said: "Maybe Max is still standing, it's not been excluded at all. There's not (been) a decision."Interestingly, Vatanen's comments come after he spoke on the telephone with Mosley to inform him of his candidacy, according to the Associated Press.Leading figures of the FOTA alliance, who quietly believe Mosley's resignation would avert the breakaway threat, were not commenting about Vatanen on Friday but it is suggested they support him over the incumbent.Vatanan indicated his presidential campaign will be based on the need for conciliation."There has been far too much time on the battle ground instead of being on the common ground," he said. "There are far too many quarrels for secondary reasons."
