Jean Todt has been re-elected for a second four-year term as president of the FIA, the governing body of world motor sport.

The Frenchman secured unanimous approval to continue in his role at the federation’s annual general assembly this morning in Paris, France. Todt ran unopposed after his main rival, Britain’s David Ward, pulled out of the race last month citing a lack of support.

Ward withdrew his candidacy whilst expressing his frustration at the governance of the FIA in a letter addressed to all its members. He had said: “For many years the FIA has struggled with governance reform. All too often it takes one step forward and then two steps back. This is clear from the current election which is being run on a shorter presidential list than the 2009 but which is offset by a new requirement for 26 nominating clubs. The 2009 eligibility threshold was 23 but has now risen to 37, which is the highest ever in the history of the FIA.”

Ward added: “The current FIA model is government of the leadership, by the leadership, for the leadership. I think it would be better if they took their inspiration from (former US) President Lincoln. The FIA’s government should be of the clubs, by the clubs, and for the clubs.”

Todt secured his first term in office in October 2009, defeating Finnish candidate Ari Vatanen in an election to succeed Max Mosley. Before assuming the FIA presidency, Todt enjoyed a hugely successful managerial career in motorsport. His time at Formula One team Ferrari from 1993 to 2009 was highlighted by Michael Schumacher’s five consecutive world titles between 2000 and 2004. Before that, Todt played a key role in Peugeot’s motorsport operation from 1982 to 1993 – a period in which the French automotive company had great success in rallying and the Le Mans 24 Hours race.

Source: Sportbusiness International