Todt unveils FIA election manifesto

The former Ferrari sporting director, who is standing for election against former World Rally champion Ari Vatanen in October, has highlighted affordability and competition, innovation and excellence, and teamwork and co-operation as the major themes of his election campaign.

He added that he is keen to bring transparency to the organising body's governance, and wants to fully review the statutes by which it is currently run.

"Over the next four years, the FIA should seek to build on its strengths, but also be ready to adapt its management and decision-making structures to make them more cost-effective, responsive and transparent," Todt's manifesto reads.

"We propose a thorough review of the FIA statutes to adapt and modernise where necessary the Federation's structure and rules."

Todt proposes to appoint a commissioner to oversee the day-to-day management and governance of each of its world championships would include Formula 1, whose responsibilities would extend to commercial matters.

"The commissioner will represent the FIA in all regulatory and commercial issues relating to the championship, reporting to the World Council and relevant sporting commissions," says the manifesto.

"A system of commissioners will reduce the need for the FIA president, or deputy, to become directly involved in any particular championship and give more time to the leadership to concentrate on the strategic management of the FIA as a whole embracing the twin pillars of both mobility and motor sport."

The Frenchman also proposes that the way stewards operate will be reviewed through the creation of a Stewards Review Group, and that a disciplinary panel will be created to take charge of all investigations and hearings, effectively in place of the World Motor Sport Council.

"[It will] examine improvements to the stewarding system of the FIA's major championships and also explore the development of stewards training courses to encourage their professional development," reads the manifesto.

"Traditionally the World Motor Sport Council has taken a direct role in investigating, and deciding on disciplinary matters referred to it under the International Sporting Code. Such cases can be both very time consuming, and controversial.

"Given that the World Council is the principle executive arm of the FIA's system of governance, we propose that a separate Disciplinary Panel be established which will carry out investigations, hold hearings and recommended possible penalties to the World Council.

"This will ensure that there is a greater separation between the disciplinary process and the World Council while retaining the latter's final authority over any possible sanction."

Todt said that he has been "greatly encouraged" by the support he has received and is confident that his manifesto reflects the desires of the FIA member clubs.

"We have established an important dialogue with the FIA membership and other stakeholders in the motorsport and mobility sectors," he said. "We are convinced that our team and our policies give the FIA the opportunity to refresh its structures, and rededicate itself to serving its members."

Jean Todt and team's full manifesto