PARIS - Former Ferrari team principal Jean Todt has been elected president of the International Automobile Federation (FIA).

The Frenchman beat his only rival, Ari Vatanen, in a secret vote of FIA’s general assembly in Paris on Friday.

He will succeed Max Mosley as the head of world motorsport’s governing body following the Briton’s decision to stand down after 16 years in the job.

Todt, who had been a strong favourite after receiving the backing of Mosley and Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone, gained 135 votes compared with Vatanen’s 49. There were 12 abstentions/invalid votes.

"I like action, I like to make things go forward and I am really happy to see that so many countries chose me but everything is yet to be done,” said Todt, whose position covers everyday motoring matters as well as sport.

AGENCIES