Prost mulled late bid for FIA presidency

Four-time F1 world champion Alain Prost says he came close to running for president of the FIA, but his belated candidacy would not have been accepted.

Last month, motorsport's governing body enthroned Mohammed ben Sulayem who defeated Britain Graham Stoker with 62% of the votes to succeed long-standing former president Jean Todt.

But the election to helm the venerable institution almost included a third candidate.

• Read also: Prost admits to rift with 'jealous' Alpine boss Rossi

"I'll tell you a secret: I was on the verge of running for president of the FIA, but it was too late," Prost told France's L'Equipe.

"I've been in Formula 1 for almost 40 years, in all positions, from driver to team boss to being on several board of directors [McLaren, Renault and Alpine].

"I also led the GPWC [an alternative world championship breakaway series that threatened F1 in 2009], so it’s a role that could have pleased me."

Prost, a former non-executive director of Alpine who left the Enstone squad last week, insisted that he isn't seeking employment in F1

"I'm not looking for something specific," he said. "I just want to be happy and work with a group of people with whom I can have fun."

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