MMF chief in talks with Todt, Vatanen

Malta Motorsport Federation (MMF) chairman, Tonio Cini, recently held talks with FIA presidency candidates Jean Todt and Ari Vatanen in Rome.

Todt, the former Ferrari chief executive officer, and four times Paris-Dakar Rally champion Vatanen are the only candidates nominated to succeed Max Mosley as head of the FIA following the Briton's decision not to seek re-election after 16 years in office.

During talks, Cini spoke about the local motoring community and briefed both Todt and Vatanen on the success Maltese drivers are having outside our shores.

Maltese drivers need more support to develop motorsport by means of better education, training and investment in new opportunities to increase interest in motor racing on our shores, Cini was reported as telling the two FIA candidates.

Whilst handing them booklets and DVD information about Malta, Cini urged Todt and Vatanen to strengthen the FIA ties with the MMF if elected.

Todt, who has been nominated by Mosley himself, promised to visit the islands during the first year of his presidency if elected while Vatanen explained that his visit to Malta will be the way to keep in contact with the roots of FIA.

Todt, president of eSafety Aware, recently told delegates that his agenda will be an exciting combination of innovation, excellence and teamwork.

If elected next month, he will focus on these three campaign themes and a commitment to a comprehensive review of the existing FIA statutes which will enhance the transparency, democracy and efficiency of the world body.

"This review process would be to the benefit of all FIA member clubs, allowing us to share knowledge and improve the quality and relevance of our work on behalf of mobility and motor sport," Todt said.

In his 'Together We Can' manifesto, Vatanen said changes are needed.

"While many of the larger clubs may be less dependent on the FIA, we should pay special attention to smaller organisations that seek FIA assistance," the Finn said.

"A special task force will be established to plan a continuous programme of supporting activities from the FIA to these developing clubs."

The FIA presidency election will be held at the world governing body's headquarters in Paris on October 23.