Jean Todt has confirmed that he will stand for a second term as president of the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile.
There had been suggestions that the 67-year-old might pull out of the running after David Ward, who is a close ally of former FIA president Max Mosley, had announced his intention to stand.
"There is no speculation. I will go for it," Todt told reporters. "Clearly we had to respect the procedure."
On the challenge presented by Ward, Todt added: "In life you must respect the freedom of everyone. Whoever wants to compete can compete."
Ward quit his job as director-general of the FIA Foundation to stand for the role of FIA president.
The winner of the sport's political battle will be announced in December.
