The Formula One Team Association (FOTA) has issued a press release congratulating newly elected FIA President Jean Todt to his new role. Ex colleague at Ferrari and now FOTA Chairman Luca di Montezemolo said:

“I would like to send my best wishes to Jean Todt in his new role, as I have always appreciated his ability, dedication and commitment. I am sure that, under his guidance, the Federation will be rejuvenated and will restore a climate open to dialogue and constructive collaboration with the teams and FOTA, thus ensuring stability of the regulations and the whole environment.”

“Formula One is about to embark on a new phase: all the stakeholders must work together with an eye to the future, to increase the credibility and interest generated by this sport, tackling the technical and environmental challenges that await it, while keeping unchanged, those characteristics that have made it one of the most popular disciplines on the world stage.”

John Howett, Vice Chairman and Toyota Team Principal added,

“I extend my best wishes to Jean Todt as he takes on this demanding but crucial role. I am convinced that Jean Todt’s presidency represents an opportunity for all Formula One’s stakeholders to unite under his leadership and work together to strengthen our sport. FOTA is looking forward to supporting him to broaden the appeal of our sport among fans and sponsors while respecting Formula One’s great heritage to which he has contributed enormously.”

Todt beat rival challenger Ari Vatenen to the FIA position earlier today, beating him by 135 votes to 49. This also ends the 16 year rule of Max Mosley, who’s final years have been dogged by scandal, in and outside of Formula 1.