Todt - 'no problems' with Ferrari's Montezemolo

Jean Todt has played down reports his new relationship with Ferrari might be a tetchy one.

The Frenchman ran the famous Italian team for fourteen years, but has now been elected to succeed Max Mosley as the new FIA president.

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo, also chairman of the F1 teams' association FOTA, clashed memorably with Mosley over the recent political war.

Another difficult relationship might now ensue between Todt and Montezemolo, amid rumours the pair did not part ways at Ferrari amicably.

"It is not true that I have had problems with Montezemolo," Todt, 63, is quoted as saying by Italy's Tuttosport.

"Actually he was the first person I heard from after the election and also the previous evening he sent me a very nice message," he revealed.

Montezemolo also played down the reports, which are ironic given that some feared that Todt's election as president would bias the FIA's relationship in favour of the Maranello based team.

"I'm very happy that Todt, a person who worked so well over 16 years here in Maranello and with whom I have a very amicable relationship, has been elected into such an important and crucial position for Formula One's future," said the Italian.