![\"Jean-Todt-1\"](\"https:\/\/www.racinginfocus.com\/rif\/gallery\/f1-2013-rif-images\/f1-2013-persons\/Jean-Todt-1.jpg\")
In an earlier era, F1 fans became accustomed to associating a number with their favourite driver — like Gilles Villeneuve’s fabled 27, or the ‘red 5′ of Nigel Mansell.<\/p>\nThe newly re-elected Jean Todt says he supports moves to reinstate permanent race numbers in formula one.<\/p>\n
In an earlier era, F1 fans became accustomed to associating a number with their favourite driver — like Gilles Villeneuve’s fabled 27, or the ‘red 5′ of Nigel Mansell.<\/p>\n
But in more recent years, race numbers have simply been assigned by the FIA on the basis of teams’ finishing positions in the constructors’ world championship.<\/p>\n
It emerged recently, however, that a push is on to bring back permanent race numbers, with the obvious exception being the ‘1’ of the reigning world champion.<\/p>\n
“I am very supportive of that,” Frenchman Todt, the continuing FIA president, is quoted by France’s L’Equipe.<\/p>\n
“I think it would be nice if the drivers keep the same race number, with the exception of the world champion who always displays the number 1.<\/p>\n
“When I watch a grand prix now, I cannot see the name or the number of the driver,” he complained.<\/p>\n
“I know they need the space on the cars for the sponsors, but I think that there are solutions — for example we could put a number on the helmet.”<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Todt admitted he is “a little concerned” ahead of the FIA’s new electronically-powered Formula E championship.<\/p>\n
“I am surprised about the interest and this is promising,” he said, “and I look forward to going to the races in the major cities.<\/p>\n
“But I’m also a little concerned because when expectations are too high there may be disappointment.\u00a0 So I am cautious.<\/p>\n
“I think the Formula E drivers are well known and very talented, but if a team wants to bring a F1 driver for one or two races, why not?” added Todt.<\/p>\n
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