Jean Todt, the president of world motorsport’s governing body, will stand unopposed for re-election next month after rival David Ward announced yesterday he was withdrawing his candidacy.

“It has not proved possible to secure the required number of regional Vice-Presidents for Sport to ensure the eligibility of my list,” Ward said.

“I, therefore, would like to offer my congratulations to Jean Todt who will secure a second term uncontested if not unopposed.”

The FIA governs Formula One as well as the world rally championship and the election is set for the General Assembly meeting on Dec. 6 in Paris.

Today is the deadline for entering a candidate list, with Ward failing to secure the required backing of 26 FIA member clubs and seven Vice-Presidents for Sport.

The 56-year-old Briton was director general of the FIA’s independent foundation for 12 years until he announced in August that he was standing against Todt, 67.

“The use of support agreements in advance of the election makes it very hard for any candidate to obtain the required Vice Presidents for their list,” said Ward.

“In the FIA’s North American region 11 out of the 12 clubs signed an agreement to support Jean Todt in March. This left only one club to provide a Vice President for my list.

“Clubs from the region that are sympathetic to my candidacy would have to break their previous pledge of support.”