Ari Vatanen has today posted a blog article in response to Jean Todt’s claims that he is running a dirty tricks campaign for the FIA presedency. Directly, Ari responds:

“…if I speak about change, democracy and transparency, it seems to be wrong and it is taken as a personal insult against all the people who have been involved with the FIA before these elections”

Vatanen, a front runner alongside Jean Todt is seen by most as the sensible choice. Todt’s strong links with Ferrari, and his attitude to potentially running the FIA has caused some alarm amongst the camps.

Michael Schumacher yesterday wrote a letter to FIA members endorsing Todt, where he stated:

“I am deeply convinced Jean Todt is the right person to be the next president of the FIA. Having worked together with him for nearly fifteen years, I believe I am entitled to say this with such strong certainty”

It appears that as the election comes close next week, Todt is pulling out the big guns in order to sway the vote his way. Causing a stir with Vatanen, and subsequently Schumacher’s seemingly out of the blue letter to FIA members will surely be the start to the last shot of adrenalin in his campaign.

Vatanen however, remains calm during troubled times. His blog continues with some further insight into how he would run the FIA, and how touched he would be to receive the position:

“Of course I know it would be such a touching moment that I would not find any words at all. The feeling would be surely like my first international win when I stood on the podium. That moment you never ever forget.”

We know who we’re gunning for…