FOTA to get new chairman post season

Although there was speculation last week that Whitmarsh was to step down with immediate effect, sources have denied that there is any change to the original plan of sorting the matter out later this year.

FOTA's chairmanship runs on a rotational basis each season, with Whitmarsh taking over for a 12-month period from Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo at the end of last year.

It is understood that FOTA is keen for an independent team chief to replace Whitmarsh - with Red Bull Racing's Christian Horner, Williams's Adam Parr and Mercedes GP's Ross Brawn, who has experience of running of his own team, believed to be the leading contenders.

Whitmarsh said that the matter was on course to be discussed once the season had finished.

"It is due to come to an end later this year - that is as far as I know," he explained. "At the end of the year it will be good to take stock of how much time everyone spends on it and where we focus our efforts."

When asked if somebody had already been lined up for the position, Whitmarsh said: "Not yet, no. It will be voted probably November/December time."