Jean Todt: The man who became president

Jean Todt was elected the president of the FIA on Friday, ushering in a new era for the sport. Adam Cooper takes a look back over the ultra-successful former Ferrari team principal's long career in the sport, as Todt prepares for his greatest challenge yet

As the newly elected president of the FIA, Jean Todt will now be able to apply his unique style of management to bring about change to motor racing's governing body. He is a man, however, who has never been afraid to take on anyone and everyone to achieve what he wants - as I well found out when I had a quite amusing confrontration with him many years ago.

Let me take you back to the 1993 Le Mans 24 Hours for a moment. A classic confrontation between the works Peugeot and Toyota teams is in prospect, and Philippe Alliot has claimed first blood for the French manufacturer by putting his 905B on pole. However, after setting his quick lap time he's had a huge crash in the Porsche Curves, slamming the sleek white machine into a concrete wall.

To continue reading this feature...

You must have an AUTOSPORT subscription. Prices start from just $1.43 per week and give you full unrestriced access to all PLUS features. View package options? Magazine subscriber?