Ward resigned from his post as director general of the FIA Foundation in August, after 12 years at the charity, in order to run against Todt but in a letter to FIA member clubs today he explained that he had been unable to gain sufficient support to oppose the Frenchman.

"It has not proved possible for me to secure the required number of regional vice-presidents for sport to ensure the eligibility of my list," he wrote.

"I, therefore, would like to offer my congratulations to Jean Todt who will secure a second term uncontested if not unopposed."

In order to run for President a candidate must secure the backing of 26 member clubs and seven vice-presidents for sport - a criteria which has been heavily criticised by Ward.

The Briton feels the process makes it easy for the current President to secure this backing from member clubs, making it difficult to mount a challenge.

Jean Todt is running for his second term as President having taken over from Max Mosley in 2009 ©Getty Images


"For many years the FIA has struggled with governance reform," Ward said.

"All too often it takes one step forward and then two steps back.

"This is clear from the current election which is being run on a shorter Presidential list than 2009 but which is offset by a new requirement for 26 nominating clubs.

"The 2009 eligibility threshold was 23 but has now risen to 37, which is the highest ever in the history of the FIA.

"The need to obtain seven vice-presidents for sport has given control over whether or not there can be a contested election at all to the FIA's sport regions.

"Moreover, the use of support agreements in advance of the election makes it very hard for any candidate to obtain the required vice-presidents for their list.

"In the FIA's North American region 11 out of the 12 clubs signed an agreement to support Jean Todt in March.

"This left only one club available to provide a vice-president for my list.

"Clubs from the region that are sympathetic to my candidacy would have to break their previous pledge of support.

"It is understandable that they have been reluctant to do so."

In his campaign, Ward was pushing for an overhaul of this election process, wishing for the seven vice-presidents for sport to be elected directly by their regions.

He believed that this would make the organisation more democratic and make it easier for future candidates to mount a challenge against the President.

"According to the Senate President Nick Craw: 'The idea of electing sport VPs democratically is not practical'," said Ward.

"I strongly disagree with this.

"It is perfectly practical to be democratic.

"The reason why the FIA leadership finds democracy impractical is that they fear it would be less easy for them to control regions that elect their own leaders.

"The current FIA model is Government of the leadership, by the leadership, for the leadership."

David Ward has been highly critical of the election process believing it is a system designed to protect the leadership of the FIA ©WardandTeam2013


Despite his withdrawal from the Presidential election, Ward insisted that he is pleased with the impact that his campaign was able to make.

"My candidacy in the 2013 election has not been motivated by a burning ambition to serve as President of the FIA," he explained.

"My clear preference would be for a club President to be elected to that role, supported by the appointment of a new chief executive.

"That is why I have described myself as a reluctant candidate.

"What I have tried to do is to encourage debate about the flaws that exist in the FIA's governance system.

"I am satisfied that I have succeeded in that."

The deadline for a candidate to enter the Presidential election race is tomorrow, with the election set to be held at the FIA's next General Assembly in Paris on December 6.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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August 2013: Briton to stand against Todt for FIA Presidency