Paris - Jean Todt brings hard work, discipline and a touch of glamour to the post of president of the international motorsport federation FIA. The 63-year-old from the French village of Pierrefort in the Cantal region of central France is a former rally competitor who knows the world of motorsport inside out.
Todt, whose partner is Malaysian actress and ex-Bond girl Michelle Yeoh, was favoured by outgoing president Max Mosley whose tenure as head of the FIA had been marred by a number of damaging rows.
But Formula One motor-racing in particular will be hoping continuity can be paired with a new chapter after the acrimony of recent years.
Todt told Britain's Guardian newspaper this week he would be aiming for harmonious relations. "That's what I like to do, to put harmony in a place where it has been missing," he said.
"I have been a tough competitor in the past," he added. "Maybe they think I will be tough again in the FIA. But it will be a new position and I will handle the situation differently.
"I met the teams in Singapore. I can't betray what was said but, believe me, they are not against me. If I am elected I can start a new chapter, and the FIA will be my new team."
Todt's election was immediately welcomed by the Formula One Teams Association (FOTA), whose chairman Luca di Montezemolo said he had "always appreciated his ability, dedication and commitment."
Under Todt's guidance, di Montezemolo said he was sure the federation "will be rejuvenated and will restore a climate open to dialogue and the constructive collaboration with the teams and FOTA, thus ensuring stability of the regulations and the whole environment."
It was with di Montezemolo that Todt, a graduate of the School of Economics and Business in Paris, helped transform the fortunes of the ailing Ferrari F1 team.
Todt had co-piloted compatriot Guy Frequelin to the world rally championship in 1981 before moving into management with Peugeot, setting up Peugeot-Talbot a team which won world titles in 1985 and 1986, followed by four Paris-Dakars from 1987-1990.
Ferrari president di Montezemolo turned to Todt in 1993, and with strategist Ross Brawn and the German Michael Schumacher joining as driver in 1996, the Italian team enjoyed a racing renaissance.
Under the Frenchman's tutelage, initially as manager, later as general director and then chief executive, Ferrari enjoyed 98 Grand Prix victories and 13 world championship titles before relinquishing his posts with the team in March last year.
