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Richards Not Interested in FIA Presidency

Former BAR boss David Richards has categorically ruled himself out as a candidate to run Formula One's governing body

Although FIA president Max Mosley has said he has no intention of standing down, his term in office ends in October when he is expected to seek re-election.

Minardi boss Paul Stoddart has called for Mosley to resign and media reports this week have suggested that some of the Formula One teams are considering putting up their own alternative candidate.

Autosport magazine reported this week that the major manufacturers had met in Munich to select someone, whose name would be kept secret for as long as possible. And while Richards' name has been mentioned, he said that he had no interest whatsoever.

"That is one of the most undesirable jobs in motorsport," he said at the British Grand Prix on Friday as he returned to the paddock for the first time since the 2004 season-ending Brazilian race.

"I can't imagine anyone wanting to take it. I have enormous respect for what Max has done in that role. It's a job that I would certainly not be after.

"The role is a highly political one, which is not an environment I am totally comfortable in. I'm a commercial animal and a sporting person as well."

Richards, whose company Prodrive had a management contract with BAR until he was replaced in November when Honda bought 45 percent of the team, did not rule out an eventual return to the sport however.

"Prodrive is a motorsport company and Formula One is one of the areas where we see ourselves in the future," said the Briton, who also controls the commercial rights to the world rally Championship.

In the immediate future, he had another race looming - one that will prevent him from attending qualifying at Silverstone on Saturday.

"I'm going to my son's school sports day," he said.

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