FIA Presidential Candidate David Ward Accuses Incumbent Of Distorting Election Process

The election contest for the presidency of motorsports governing body FIA "is only three days old but already the gloves are off," according to Kevin Eason of the LONDON TIMES. Former FIA Foundation Dir General David Ward, who is also an FIA presidential candidate, is "to file a complaint to the organisation’s ethics committee" about the efforts by Jean Todt, the sitting president, to "distort the election process." Ward said that Todt has been "travelling the world to garner support ahead of the start of the election, declared open only last weekend." It is the first in "what is likely to be a series of bitter volleys." Todt is thought to be "in a strong position as the incumbent" to gain re-election but many believe that his "globe-trotting to FIA clubs, who will have the vote in December, could prove to be an Achilles’ heel." Ward has "close relations with many clubs and will also have a clear insight" into the running of the organization (LONDON TIMES, 9/10).