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LONDON: Max Mosley confirmed on Wednesday he will not seek re-election as head of the sport's ruling body this year and has proposed former Ferrari team principal Jean Todt as his successor.
Mosley, 69, last month hinted he might reverse an earlier decision to stand down, but revealed his definitive decision to end his 16-year reign in a letter to FIA members.
"I have decided to reconfirm my decision - I will not be a candidate in October," Mosley wrote.
The Briton had agreed he would not seek a fifth four-year term as part of a peace deal struck three weeks ago to end the threat of a breakaway championship by Formula One teams.
But he had subsequently suggested he would keep his options open after becoming infuriated by comments made by Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo in the wake of the peace pact.
Todt, a Frenchman, is yet to throw his hat into the ring, but Finland's former world rally champion Ari Vatanen confirmed last week he intends to stand as Mosley's potential successor.
In his letter, Mosley said: "I believe the objectives of those who have been kind enough to support me can be achieved if you elect a strong, experienced and competent team, one which will maintain the independence of the FIA, and ensure both the sport and mobility side are properly run.
"I believe the right person to head that team would be Jean Todt.
"Jean is unquestionably the outstanding motor sport manager of his generation, and arguably of any generation.
"If he agrees to stand, I think he would be the ideal person to continue, but also to extend the work of the past 16 years.
"He can be relied on in all areas where the FIA is active. I very much hope you will give him your support."
Mosley also rejected suggestions Todt would be a "motor industry candidate" with loyalties to his former employer.
"He would have no special relationship with his former company, Ferrari, nor with Peugeot Citroen, the manufacturer behind his former World Rally, Cross-Country and Le Mans teams.
"He would preserve the independence of the FIA."
Mosley's departure will come after a tumultuous period in the life of the son of 1930s fascist leader Oswald Mosley.
He won 60,000 pounds in damages last year after a newspaper alleged he had taken part in a "Nazi-themed sex orgy".
Mosley then had to contend with the death of his son Alexander, 39, who died of an accidental cocaine overdose at his home in London in May. - AFP/ls/de
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