Maybe, didn’t think so until his press conference in the London Eye. Hear him out, he proposes:
To review the commercial terms between the FIA and FOM (i.e. the interesting $350m deal in return for 100 years of commercial rights) – that should please Bernie Ecclestone no end!
He’s got the support from the King of Jordan and Prince Faisal.
His extensive work on Mobility, albeit low profile, is where the FIA money comes from and given his MEP work on Mobility could see him get enough votes to nab the FIA presidency.
He favours traditional circuits like Hockenheim, Silverstone and Magny Cours where the grandstands will be packed on race day rather than pleasing rich courtier countries like Malaysia where the locals can’t even afford the tickets leaving the grandstands empty. Saying that, one could argue the spectator element is better suited to TV anyway and Ecclestone plays this tune.
He may have fumbled his start but he’s starting to sound like a real contender.
Jean Todt and team – your move.