South African body slams Todt

Speaking in an interview with the Telegraph newspaper, Todt played down the importance of the role of F1 Commissioner, suggesting countries like South Africa are not interested in Formula 1.

"The FIA has over 172 mobility clubs and sporting clubs," Told told the Telegraph. "And I am not sure that they are concerned with who is going to be the F1 Commissioner.

"Do you think people in South Africa care what is happening in F1?"

On Monday, Beaulah Schoeman, Managing Director of Motorsport South Africa, the country's FIA-affiliated motorsport regulator, was very critical of Todt's remarks.

She said the Frenchman had shown the "arrogance and the contempt" the FIA has treated African countries with.

"Mr Todt's comment questioning 'whether people in South Africa care (about) what is happening in F1', is a perfect example of his arrogance and the contempt with which African countries have been - and are being treated - by the FIA and confirms that if he is elected, this will continue," said Schoeman.

"Todt's comment is not only an insult to South Africa, but to all African countries. South Africa is extremely proud of the fact that a past F1 World Champion (Jody Scheckter) is a South African - and that many very successful F1 Grands Prix were held in our country, which presently broadcasts every grand prix throughout Africa.

"In fact, South Africa had a F1 world champion fully six years before Todt's homeland, and while South Africa does not presently have a race on the F1 calendar, France does not, either. Accordingly it is very pleasing to note that Jody's name does not appear on the list of F1 drivers who support Todt."