Ecclestone backs Todt for FIA president

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