Ward to stand for FIA presidency

Jean Todt is facing a challenger ahead of the next FIA presidential elections.

The first reports emerged in July, when David Ward - who worked closely with Frenchman Todt’s predecessor Max Mosley - revealed he was "thinking about" running against Todt.

Until now, Ward has been the director-general of the FIA foundation.

But F1’s official website on Thursday said Ward has resigned his post in order to contest this year’s presidential election in December.

"After much careful thought I have decided to stand," Briton Ward, 56, confirmed in a statement.

F1.com said Todt has not yet confirmed his intention to run for a second term.

And "No other potential candidates have yet put their names forward," said Telegraph correspondent Tom Cary.