Todt touted again as Mosley successor

It was announced last week that Todt has stepped down from his role as CEO of Ferrari, although he promised to continue in an advisory role with the Maranello outfit for up to three years.

The change of Todt's position has prompted speculation that he could be poised to become Max Mosley's eventual successor as FIA president. And, interestingly, the Frenchman drew short of denying the possibility when talking at Sepang this weekend.

Speaking in the Ferrari motorhome during a visit to the Malaysian Grand Prix, Todt made it clear that he does not intend to retire completely.

"Since Wednesday last week, I am a member of the (Ferrari) board, and an official advisor to the president of the company Luca di Montezemolo," explained Todt about his new role. "He is going to finish his role as president of Confindustria, so he will be able to come more often to Maranello.

"I will support him and the team for a determined period. So I'm determined to be present between one and three years, which will allow me to keep half of my time, which has not happened in the past 25 years.

"I've been fortunate I've never had to miss one day of working and will have half my time free and open a new professional and private chapter in my life. It is fantastic."

Todt is well aware of the speculation suggesting that he is a likely candidate to succeed Mosley. And, clearly motivated by the idea of a new challenge, he refused to deny the possibility of joining the FIA when asked about it.

"I'm still motivated," said Todt. "Max Mosley is a great president. I know he gets a lot of controversy but, for me, he has been outstanding for the sport and for the business. And he is a friend.

"He is one of the founders of our medical institute and he's somebody I respect very much. He's dedicated to the job and reliable. And it's fortunate to the sport that he will stay on for many more years because he is still a young man."

He added: "(But) I'm not going to speak about any speculation. I don't want to be put in a position. I'm not a young man, but I still have space.

"I feel I'm still too young to retire, let's put it that way, and I still want to have some challenge in my life. I never had time to think about it really because I was committed and focused to my work for 14 hours a day.

"So first, I will fulfil my obligation to Ferrari for half of my time, and the rest of my time will be spent trying to do some other things."