22/07/2009
NEWS STORY
Carlos Macaya, Chairman of the FIA Foundation, has sent a strongly worded letter to presidency hopeful Ari Vatanen, following claims he made regarding Jean Todt and his partner, the actress, Michelle Yeoh.
In an interview with the Italian website 422race.com, subsequently quoted by various sections of the media, including Pitpass, Vatanen alleged that the FIA is financing Todt.
In the letter, which can be seen here, Mr Macaya points out Ms Yeoh's role as a global Ambassador for the Make Roads Safe campaign.
"I am surprised that you do not seem to be aware of the truth of their involvement," he writes, "as their activities have been extensively reported to you at successive meetings of the Board of Trustees of the FIA Foundation of which you are a member."
He concludes by saying: "I appreciate that during the forthcoming election for the FIA Presidency there needs to be open and robust debate. However, I would ask that you do not again misrepresent the role of the FIA Foundation in this way."