Former world rally champion Ari Vatanen announced yesterday that he would stand in October for president of the International Automobile Federation (FIA).

The decision will pit the Finn against Max Mosley, should the controversial 69-year-old Briton decide to seek a fifth term in office.

"Responding to requests from many FIA member clubs, I shall stand for presidential elections of the FIA in October this year," Vatanen said in a statement.

Mosley has been FIA president for the past 16 years. He said last month that he would stand down as part of a peace deal with Formula One teams threatening a breakaway championship.

However, Mosley has since suggested that he could reconsider after accusing Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo of calling him a dictator and the teams of prematurely dancing on his grave.

The FIA is F1's governing body as well as overseeing the World Rally Championship and other global competitions. It groups 219 member clubs from 130 countries.

The Finn was a member of the European Parliament from 1999 until this year.

Vatanen faces numerous hurdles if he is to have a real chance of winning the election, however.

Under FIA rules, a candidate must name a 22-member 'cabinet' who will serve as his administration.

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