Team bosses back Todt's work

Todt is no stranger to the WRC, having run the Peugeot team through its highly successful period in the 1980s, collecting both drivers' and manufacturers' titles in the two complete years he ran the 205 T16 and 205 T16E2.

The Frenchman is drawing on the experience of those around him at that time in the newly appointed Global Working Group.

Citroen boss Quesnel said: "I think Jean discovers a lot of things. He has a lot of things to do. He knows rally very well and for him rally is very important and he wants rally to go back at the top. As he said yesterday, he prefers to lose some time at the beginning, but to get the right decision at the right moment. I am really confident with Jean Todt."

Neither Quesnel or Ford chief Wilson would be drawn on the identity of the WRC commissioner.

Drivers like Michele Mouton, Carlos Sainz, Walter Rohrl, Juha Kankkunen and Guy Frequelin have all been linked to the job, but Quesnel added that he thought Todt was still considering the role.

"I think if it was one of those people you mention, then he would have announced it," said Quesnel. "I think Jean is still making up his mind."

Wilson backed up Quesnel's views adding that he was encouraged by the time Todt had already put in on the WRC.

"From the short time that he's been in office to dedicate two global working group days, full days, already assigned to WRC, it's so positive and such great news," said Wilson.

"He has made it very clear there are two disciplines: one is rallying and the other is Formula 1 and, as far as he's concerned, they're equal. His words were: Rallying is what got him where he is today and now he's in this office he doesn't want to be the man who kills rallying."

"So, it's really refreshing and a very positive step to see that he can bring so many influential people together to bounce ideas off each other - that's his way of working. And you've got to respect that, his track record speaks for itself. I'm really looking forward to what the outcome will be."