All change in F1 - Who will be the next FIA president?

Autumn is traditionally the season of change, no wonder then that so many are taking place in F1. Fernando Alonso's move to Ferrari has proved the catalyst for change in the drivers market; so far Kubica to Renault is the only official announcement but Kovalainen, Raikkonen, Rosberg, Glock, Trulli, and Barrichello are all expected to make moves. Autumn will also see the crowning of new driver and constructor champions (whether it's in October or November remains to be seen). There will be one other big change in F1 this Autumn - a new FIA president will be announced.

Everyone seems to have an opinion on outgoing president Max Mosley; since he took the role in 1993 the man has been responsible for bringing in the first Concorde agreement, promoting European NCAP safety in motorsport (he claims this to be his biggest achievement)and been involved in various controversies both in public and privately. Many have argued that he was the driving force behind Ron Dennis and Flavio Briatore stepping away from the sport after their respective teams were embroiled in scandals and he is known to be ruthless in getting what he wants...who could forget him taking on the then newly-elected Labour party and Tessa Jowell over tobacco-advertising? One thing's for sure his successor has big shoes to fill; but will it be Jean Todt or Ari Vatanen stepping up to the mark?

If Mosley had his way pragmatic Italian Todt, former Ferrari team principal, would be the one. Todt has also received backing from Bernie Ecclestone and former world rally champion Vatanen is seemingly out in the cold. If I were you however I wouldn't count out Ari, he has support from some big organizations and, whilst Todt is making headlines from the people backing him Ari is making waves with the policy changes he wants to bring in.

The battle of words has been waging for some time now, the latest installment over a letter sent by Mosley allegedly warning a vote for Vatanen could lead to an 'irreparable split in the FIA' and Vatanen replying by likening himself to American President Barack Obama and the change in administration his victory brought. There have been fears that the election will not be transparent and I'm sure whichever side is elected it will be far from the end of the matter.

I personally hope whichever candidate is brought in will work closely with FOTA to draw a line under what has been a controversial few years for F1...or is harmony not on the agenda?