Why Todt’s FIA successor could be cut from the same cloth

Hannu Mikkola’s death in February, at the age of 78, has caused the world of motorsport to reflect on a golden age of rallying, when marshals’ whistles would be followed by the deep ululation of an Audi Quattro bursting over a crest. Long before Flying Finns graced Formula 1, rallying was in thrall to the talents of a Mikkola, Ari Vatanen, Markku Alen or Henri Toivonen.

FIA President Jean Todt was one of those to post a tribute, noting that the weekend of Mikkola’s passing coincided with the Arctic Rally Finland. Forty-six years ago, Todt was co-driver for Mikkola on the original Arctic, the pair sharing a Fiat 124 Abarth. Later that year they would win the Rallye du Maroc in a Peugeot 504 Ti.

It’s worth remembering that our motorsport’s governing body is overseen not by some political bureaucrat but a man whose career CV leaves the rest of us feeling like lazy underachievers.

A decade and a half as a top flight co-driver was followed by a dozen years as boss of Peugeot Talbot Sport, during which time Todt guided the French company to myriad successes in the World Rally Championship, Paris-Dakar, Le Mans 24 Hours and World Sportscar Championship.

Then came the move to Ferrari where he gave Maranello the heyday it never had – eight constructors’ and six drivers’ titles under the ascetic Todt, a leader who put performance before profile, aided by a cutting-edge grasp of motorsport politics.

Jean Todt and Guy Frequelin, 1981 Monte Carlo Rally.

Photo by: GP Racing

It came as no surprise that Todt moved seamlessly into the FIA presidency in 2009, the last 12 years being marked by an altogether calmer, less controversial reign compared to predecessor Max Mosley.

It’s been good for F1, an arms-length relationship with Bernie Ecclestone being followed by an altogether warmer and more effective collaboration with Liberty Media.

This year marks Todt’s swansong as FIA President. He has long confirmed that he has no intention to stand for a fourth term, even if his boardroom positions, ambassadorships and charitable roles outside of motorsport will likely continue. Attention will soon turn to his successor.

Richards is 68, seven years Todt’s junior, enough for two terms in office if he has the energy to take it on

It’s a daunting role – one which encompasses not only the global leadership of motorsport from a technical and regulatory perspective, but a vast array of road safety, diversity, innovation and environmental sustainability initiatives. 

At a time of unprecedented change in the car industry, there is much to navigate.

Forty years ago, Todt and driver Guy Frequelin helped Talbot to win the World Rally Championship for Manufacturers in their Sunbeam Lotus. In the drivers’ standings they finished second to Ari Vatanen, co-driven by David Richards, these days Chairman of Motorsport UK and a potential presidential candidate.

David Richards and Ari Vatanen

Photo by: GP Racing

Richards is renowned for his entrepreneurship, founding Prodrive in 1984 and guiding successful motorsport programmes for clients including Porsche, BMW, Subaru and Aston Martin. 

PLUS: How Aston Martin Racing scaled new heights in the Prodrive era

He’s also been seen in F1, initially in a one-year engagement at Benetton in 1997; later as part of a management contract at BAR Honda between 2002 and 2004. There is not much in motorsport Richards has not seen or done.

Richards is 68, seven years Todt’s junior, enough for two terms in office if he has the energy to take it on.

Clearly there is something in the co-drivers’ mindset that has enabled both Todt and Richards to scale the heights of international motorsport management. The attention to detail, obsessive planning, and ultimately the wherewithal to move into the driving seats of world motorsport.

David Richards, Chairman, Prodrive / Chairman, Motorsport UK

Photo by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images