F1: FIA has to approve Ecclestone's successor

The appointment of Formula 1 commercial rights holder Bernie Ecclestone's successor will require agreement from the FIA, according to the governing body's president Jean Todt (with Ecclestone, above).

Ecclestone, who is now 85, has previously said he is not interested in selling his 5.3% stake in F1 and is showing no signs of stepping down from his role. But earlier this year, Ferrari president Sergio Marchionne said Ecclestone needs to finalize a succession plan to ensure he leaves the championship in good health.

Todt was positive about the job Ecclestone is doing and said he had faith the board of F1 owner CVC Capital Partners will make the right call over a replacement.

"The actual promoter has been doing an extraordinary job to develop Formula 1," said Todt, speaking at the FIA Sport Conference in Turin. "That doesn't mean we do always agree, but I do respect all that he has been doing.

"Bernie has his style, everyone does. There is a major shareholder – CVC – they are very strong, talented business people. The day they decide something needs to change in the management of one of their assets, I'm convinced they know what to do.

"They will make a proposal. It has to be suitable for the FIA, but I don't have any real concerns."

When asked if the FIA has to give final approval on his successor, Todt said: "I'm not going to get into the detail of the contract. But they need to have a final agreement from the FIA, yes. We are talking with very respectable business people."

Originally on Autosport.com