FIA presidential hopeful Jean Todt has unveiled the identities of several influential supporters who have said they will back his campaign to win the top job in motor racing's governing body.
Just 24 hours after Todt published his plans for a reform of the governing body, the former Ferrari team principal has boosted his campaign by revealing leading figures from the FIA who are behind him.
Significantly the supporters include Michel Boeri, the head of the Automobile Club de Monaco, who had been rumoured to be considering his own bid for the FIA presidency.
"The motor sport history of Monaco is one of the defining characteristics of the Principality," said Boeri. "Whether in rallying or in grand prix racing, we are proud of our sporting assets and our commitment to their continued success. Jean Todt shares the same commitment to our sport. In our view there is no-one more experienced or better skilled to be a candidate for the presidency of the FIA."
Force India team principal Vijay Mallya, who is also chairman of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India, has also become the first F1 team chief to back Todt's campaign.
"I have been impressed with the professionalism and commitment of Jean Todt and his election team," he said. "The considered approach to the development of their election policies and programmes has created a welcome new vision for the FIA and our sport. I am very pleased to join them and to make my contribution to the realisation of that vision."
Other significant individuals who are supporting Todt are the French Motor Sport Federation's Nicolas Deschaux, Spain's Carlos Gracia and the influential Mohamed ben Sulayem, President of the Automobile and Touring Club for United Arab Emirates (UAE).