Jean Todt - Fresh air for F1?

[barricadas]

First of all, I have to say that I am a Todt's fan. There's almost no mistake in his career. 205T16 /GroupB, Paris-Dakar, Pike's Peak, 905, Ferrari. A long list of success.

Now, what about him managing the post-Mosley era?

Some changes already seem to lead to more cooperation and dialog between teams and FIA. The best evidence is the Mercedes'decision not to appeal upon 40.13.

Two questions actualy:
- Do you think that this dialog will avoid mistakes in regulations changes? And what will be the priorities for next years (Costs, security, overtaking, "green F1")?
- Is this the end of FOTA (ie: Is Todt the perfect man for B.E?)

Thanks.

[andrew]

Todt is most definately a breath of fresh air for F1 and I am glad he won the FIA election. Although I think the ex driver acting as a race steward is a bad idea but other than that he has done a good job. Even though it is early days, he is doing a much better job than his predecor through quiet leadership.

I think more dialoge with teams is a good thing. Hopefully, this will lead to clearer rules and regulations. I don't think it is the end of FOTA as the teams will still need a voice.

[wesley123]

when i heard his plans i thought 'hell no', as he wanted to continue where Mosley ended, but afterall i must say i am pleasantly surprised, he shows to do a good job and instead of shouting everything he keeps himself rather on the sideline.

[RacingManiac]

Todt is first a foremost, a professional. He is loyal to his job. Be it as Sporting director for Peugeot, Team Principle for Ferrari, or FIA president. So far he is successful in all of them. He seems to (so far) free of his own private agenda, and concentrate on the job at hand, which is a change from Mosley's latter day work of trying to implement what HE wants in the sport. I consider he is still in the honeymoon period, but so far so good....

[PNSD]

Todt has so far kept a fairly low profile.

And thats where imo Max went wrong. He wanted to be involved in everything, and show that he was involved in everything.

Todt so far has let things happen in time, and he has slowly behind the scenes made changes here and there.

The FIA isn't all about F1 and it looks as though Todt has realized this and tried to take the focus away a little.

It's fair to say that whilst at Ferrari I very much disliked him, and I wasnt too keen on him being the new FIA president, but so far its been a much better run sport than before.

[Ray]

I was suprised to see him not even off the Speed guy even a small soundbite of who he though would win in Monaco. Not even a hint of who he thought would win. Odd.

[autogyro]

Nothing of any importance has changed in F1 since last year.
There has been no major problems to address for Todt, which is as a direct result of how Max left the organisation.

[andrew]

Nothing of any importance has changed in F1 since last year.
There has been no major problems to address for Todt, which is as a direct result of how Max left the organisation.

That's because there is such a mess, no one could possibly know where to start.

At least Mosely won't be around declaring certain things "genius" but at the same time screwing the bigger teams by calling their certain things illegal until a few races into the season. I hear the corruption is greatly reduced now.

[autogyro]

Nothing of any importance has changed in F1 since last year.
There has been no major problems to address for Todt, which is as a direct result of how Max left the organisation.

That's because there is such a mess, no one could possibly know where to start.

At least Mosely won't be around declaring certain things "genius" but at the same time screwing the bigger teams by calling their certain things illegal until a few races into the season. I hear the corruption is greatly reduced now.

Oh no not again. No doubt you will waffle on about corruption and yet again come up with absolutely no cases that make sense and no proof.
It must be realy comfortable in your dream world.

[andrew]

Nothing of any importance has changed in F1 since last year.
There has been no major problems to address for Todt, which is as a direct result of how Max left the organisation.

That's because there is such a mess, no one could possibly know where to start.

At least Mosely won't be around declaring certain things "genius" but at the same time screwing the bigger teams by calling their certain things illegal until a few races into the season. I hear the corruption is greatly reduced now.

Oh no not again. No doubt you will waffle on about corruption and yet again come up with absolutely no cases that make sense and no proof.
It must be realy comfortable in your dream world.

Try the double diffuser, messing up Briatore's ban because Mosley was so desperate to get rid of him, drivers getting immunity against punishment, veto power for certain team, a war on manufacturers, letting his personnal life interfere with his role in the FIA. And what about the three new teams, 2 of which are now struggling with financial difficulties.

Yeah the guy has done some good safety work, but that is about it. Mosley is gone and Jean Todt is doing a pretty good job so far through silent leadership.

Interesting reading this:

http://www.pitpass.com/fes_php/pitpass_ ... t_id=38359

Sadly, Jean Todt is only planning on to stand for one term.

[Pandamasque]

Todt would have to try really hard not to be better than his predecessor.

The first real test will be the 2011 selection process especially when Nicolas is involved with ART.

And thats where imo Max went wrong. He wanted to be involved in everything, and show that he was involved in everything.

And so he got involved in all the wrong things

[raymondu999]

Yes, I think everybody is expecting him to approve Nicolas's bid for the 13th slot isn't it?

*suddenly, the words, "Rubens. Let Michael pass for the championship" pop up in my mind. LOL*

[Giblet]

Andrew Andrew Andrew, you still talk about a war on manufacturers, and you have no clue my amigo, and can provide nothing to back up your claims.

I'd like to see how you think this war was going on, so I can again refer you to this timeline which if you read, you might understand the war was on the SPENDING.

[autogyro]

What manufacturers?
As far as I am aware they have all either been pulled out of F1 for spending to much money or are in the process of dieing.
If it was not for the moves made to get smaller teams into F1 it would not exist.
Even the idea of a break away series by the car makers was a sick little childs joke.
The financial restraints are still there on manufacturing companies and they are getting worse. F1 needs a strong and ruthless organiser like Max Mosley, or the financial decline and public opinion will eventualy finish it.
Jean Todt is simply keeping out the way as Mosleys policies continue to hold sway.

[barricadas]

Sadly, Jean Todt is only planning on to stand for one term.

I don't think so Andrew. He is a manager, and has to consider his available term to get his job done. He has four years to do what he planned to, but I am quite sure he will try to be re-elected.

Two interesting quotes in this interview:http://www.lefigaro.fr/sport/2009/12/22 ... ments-.php

1º: "I am against a regulated limitation of budgets"
2º: "Le Mans must be an option for F1 to come back to France" Sounds good, a Le Mans F1 GP... [-o<