Mosley backs Todt for FIA presidency

In a letter sent to all FIA member clubs today, Mosley said that despite pressure from members to restand, he had decided to go through with his decision to step down.

He says that with hard work expecting to result in a new Concorde Agreement being signed to secure F1's future in the next few days, plus other progress in rallying and sportscars, there was little reason for him to go back on his original intention to relinquish the role.

"From a personal point of view, it would be very difficult for me to change my mind and stand again," wrote Mosley in the letter.

"I began some months ago to rearrange my family life with effect from next October. I also informed senior FIA staff that I would not be a candidate. To continue now would greatly complicate my domestic arrangement and be inconsistent with my obligations to my family, particularly after our recent loss. Also, I have felt for some time that I would like to work less. After all, I will be 70 next year.

"Therefore, with these new arrangements in place, extremely grateful though I am for all the letters, emails and messages I have received, I have decided to reconfirm my decision. I will not be a candidate in October."

With former World Rally champion Ari Vatanen having put himself forward for the FIA presidency role, Mosley has ended years of speculation about the man he would like to see replace him and backed former Ferrari team principal Jean Todt for the role.

"I believe the right person to head that team would be Jean Todt," said Mosley about the need for a 'strong, experienced and competent' group of people to lead the FIA in the future.

"Jean is unquestionably the outstanding motorsport manager of his generation and arguably of any generation.

"If he agrees to stand, I think he would be the ideal person to continue but also to extend the work of the past 16 years. He can be relied on in all areas where the FIA is active. I very much hope you will give him your support."