In the wake of Jean Todt's high profile at Monza over the Italian Grand Prix weekend, FIA presidential candidate David Ward has called for strict neutrality.

With Ward having announced his intention to stand for the presidency, and Todt confirming that he is seeking a second term, the lines are effectively drawn.

Todt was an ever present over the Monza weekend and at times it appeared the election process had already begun indeed, there were times when all that was missing was the proverbial baby for the Frenchman to kiss.

Today, mindful of the media attention that Todt gained over the weekend, not to mention aspects of some media coverage, Ward has called for neutrality.

In a letter to Damien Clermont, the Chief Administrative Officer of the FIA, he writes:

"Following your letter to all FIA Member Clubs dated 6th September concerning the procedure for nominating candidates, I assume that the Presidential election period has now begun.

The FIA's Election Guidelines task the Administration to "support the need of each candidate for the position of FIA President during the election period and the FIA will give equal exposure to each within its main communication tools".

As you will be aware I have declared myself to be a candidate for the 2013 FIA Presidential election. I would, therefore, be grateful if you could arrange for my campaign website to be linked to the FIA's own website and for your communications department to distribute to the media and to the FIA clubs any forthcoming press releases or campaign statements that I may issue during the election period.

During the election period I may, also, request clarification of various factual matters which I trust the Administration will be willing to answer promptly and objectively.

I note also that the Election Guidelines requires the FIA Administration to maintain "a strict duty of neutrality and equality at all times" and that they should limit "their relations with the candidates strictly to the content of their mission".

I would like clarification that this duty of neutrality will apply not just to the employees among the FIA Administration but also to all external consultants and lawyers currently being paid by the FIA. It is of course, of the utmost importance that no FIA resources are used in a biased manner in favour of any particular candidate.

I would also like clarification on the supervision of the election process. What body will take responsibility to monitor the implementation of the Guidelines during the election period?"