Motor racing-Controversial Mosley era to end with Paris vote

By Alan Baldwin

LONDON, Oct 22 (Reuters) - Max Mosley's long and controversial reign at the helm of Formula One's governing body will end on Friday when either ex-Ferrari boss Jean Todt or former world rally champion Ari Vatanen takes over.

Mosley, whose private life became very public last year when it emerged that he engaged in sado-masochistic sex sessions with prostitutes, has backed Todt to succeed him as president of the International Automobile Federation (FIA).

The position is the most powerful in world motorsport and Todt, who also has the support of Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone, must rank as the favourite when the election takes place in Paris.

However others have suggested that the outcome, with the Frenchman and his Finnish rival waging a high-profile and increasingly personal war of words over the past few months, might be too close to call.

Vatanen, a former European parliamentarian backed by Formula One manufacturers and Mosley's enemies, has stood on a platform of change and transparent governance to make a clean break from the Mosley era.

"In the last two years we have spent more time on the battleground than on common ground," the Finn said after announcing his candidacy. "I would say we need to reconcile.

"It is high time that the image of the FIA is improved. We must put our house in order."

Todt, whose record in rallying and in Formula One is outstanding, has made clear that he is not simply Mosley's man.