London: Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone threw his weight behind former Ferrari boss Jean Todt as the right man to replace Max Mosley as head of the sport's governing body.
"The FIA needs a President that is strong, capable and with experience at the highest levels of motor sport," Todt's campaign quoted the Briton as saying in one of their regular updates.
"Jean is by far the most knowledgeable and capable candidate for this vitally important role. I hope everybody will support his candidacy.”
"I have known Jean for many years. He is a most reliable, gifted and trustworthy person," said Ecclestone. "He is determined and dedicated to whatever goals he sets himself and I admire and respect him greatly for everything he has achieved."
Todt is standing against Finland's 1981 rally world champion Ari Vatanen in the October 23 election for the International Automobile Federation (FIA) presidency.
Mosley, who survived calls for his resignation last year over a sado-masochistic sex scandal, is also backing Todt as his preferred candidate.
The Bahrain Motor Federation said in a separate statement that they were also on Todt's side.
Vatanen earlier named seven prospective vice-presidents from Jordan, Ireland, Cyprus, Turkey, Finland, the Netherlands and Uganda.
Bureau Report
First Published: Friday, September 25, 2009, 22:42