Rallying legend Ari Vatanen has declared his interest in succeeding Max Mosley as president of Formula 1's governing body the FIA.
Confusion currently surrounds Mosley's plans after he said his anger at FOTA's handling of the F1 peace deal had led him to reconsider his decision to stand down later this year, so it remains unclear whether Vatanen would be standing as a rival candidate to Mosley, or as one of potentially a number of contenders for a vacant post.
Vatanen said he was optimistic of getting sufficient support and was extremely interested in putting himself forward.
"At the moment I am consulting the member clubs and am already seeing positive feedback," he told Reuters.
"I am considering standing.
"I think the time has come for a change.
"I would go for it, even if not sure of winning."
The 57-year-old won the 1981 World Rally title and remains revered by WRC fans for his spectacular style.
He is also a four-time winner of the legendary Dakar Rally cross country marathon.
Vatanen switched to politics after he retired from motorsport, and was a member of the European Parliament from 1999 until earlier this year.
Former Ferrari boss Jean Todt has also been strongly linked to running for the FIA presidency.
The FOTA teams have indicated that their preference is for the sport to be run by a figure who does not have any historical connections with any of the teams, but F1 does not get a say in the choice as the president is elected by the national clubs that form the FIA membership.
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