FIA presidency hopeful David Ward is seeking a series of open debates with Jean Todt

In a letter sent to the FIA president today, Ward writes:

"Now that you have also declared your intention to stand in this year's 2013 Presidential Election I would like to propose that the FIA host a series of Presidential Election Debates. The FIA could host regional debates open to the media that will enable the candidates to outline their election platforms and to be questioned by the membership.

"As you know my primary purpose in standing is to encourage an open debate about the future of the FIA and the reforms that I believe will improve the FIA's governance system. In my manifesto ‘Agenda for Change' I have set out twenty proposals to further modernise and make more transparent the FIA's decision-making systems. I have been impressed by the positive reaction to my proposals even from clubs that at present have declared their support for you.

"I am sure the clubs will await with interest the publication of your manifesto. There are many important issues to debate such as the FIA's governance structure, its support programmes for member clubs and, most importantly, the planned use of the new resources arising from the long awaited completion of the new Concorde agreement.

"If the 2013 Presidential Election encourages open debate about these and other issues, the FIA will be the winner regardless of the outcome of the election. I hope that you will, therefore, agree to participate in Presidential Debates that will give the FIA membership a unique and unprecedented opportunity to engage in the 2013 elections."

It's an interesting move by Ward, whose manifesto (pdf) promises more transparency at the FIA, though it remains to be seen whether Todt will take him up on the offer. While the FIA has wide ranging responsibilities, many absolutely nothing to do with motor sport, many of those in the F1 pitlane feel Todt has been virtually invisible since taking office.