Paris  - The FIA General Assembly opened Friday in Paris with the election of a new president to succeed Max Mosley the number one item on the agenda for delegates.

Jean Todt and Ari Vatanen are the two candidates vying for the position as head of motorsport's ruling body, which will be decided by a ballot involving the 211 national sporting authorities and national automobile associations.

Each candidate will be allowed give a 15-minute presentation to the General Assembly after which the vote takes place.

An absolute majority will be needed to succeed in the first round of voting and if this fails to bring about a winner a second round will take place with the candidate receiving a simple majority deemed elected.

The winner will hold the position of FIA president for a four-year term.

Ex-Ferrari boss Todt, who has had the support of Mosley in his campaign, is considered favourite to beat former world rally champion Vatanen in the vote. (dpa)