Former world rally champion Ari Vatanen will run for the office of FIA president later this year it has been confirmed. The Finn is the first to throw his hat into the ring for October's election, having lost his seat in the European parliament in the June elections.

Vatanen says he was lobbied by FIA member clubs to run in the forthcoming election. “Responding to requests from many FIA member clubs, I shall stand for presidential elections of the FIA in October this year,” said Vatanen, who won the rally championship in 1981.

“I think the time has come for a change. My main focus is to reconcile views within the FIA and bring transparency to its stakeholders. The duty of President is to defend billion automobilists and the great sport of ours.”

Although Vatanen is the only person as yet to officially confirm his name for the election, current president Max Mosley may also run if the Paris peace deal with the FOTA 8 falls through. As a former race driver with 10 years political experience at the highest level, Vatanen will be seen as a perfect candidate for the job, with tensions between the FIA and the teams running at an all-time high.