Jean Todt's victory in the FIA presidential election has been welcomed as a new dawn for the organisation. Dieter Rencken examines the challenges and tasks ahead for the governing body's new leader

In the end it was not the outcome of last Friday's FIA presidential elections that surprised the combined worlds of motoring and motorsport, but rather the margin by which Jean Todt vanquished Ari Vatanen.

Ahead of the most divisive ballot for many a decade – arguably, even, for the century the body has been in existence – many, including members of the media with access to both camps, Formula 1 personalities and motor club presidents, suggested it would be too close to call, making the 135:49 victory margin rather difficult to comprehend for some folk.

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?

Online subscription

from just

$1.43

per week

• Unrestricted access to all PLUS features
• View website in ad-free environment
• Full F1 stats since 1950 in FORIX

View all package options