It is somewhat ironic that it took the arrival of former Ferrari boss Jean Todt for the FIA to lose its 'Ferrari International Assistance' moniker. But much about the Frenchman's presidency has surprised, from his non-confrontational approach to the way in which the Federation as a whole has become more open and accessible since 2009.
Where once doors were firmly closed and access limited to the chosen few, under the watch of the communications department assembled by Todt the FIA has opened its doors to new media, lowering the average age of the press room by over a decade and expanding the level of F1 coverage beyond the previously limited scope of national newspapers and specialist publications.
The FIA's embrace of new media was made clear in Paris this week, when the FIA invited a select group of online journalists to conduct a group interview with Todt. Over the course of a wide-ranging discussion that lasted a few hours, the FIA president spoke openly about cost reduction, F1's current issues, the Federation's wider sporting interests, and his pro-diplomacy management style, but where Todt really came alive was when speaking of his achievements away from the presidential office.
Todt's efforts in road safety have led to much criticism, but there is no escaping the passion he has for the topic. It is an issue that is clearly dear to his heart, but one that he also feels a professional responsibility for as the head of an organisation whose very existence is relying on the automobile and the people who use him. Recounting global road safety statistics - including separate figures for pedestrians and children - he compares the numbers to an epidemic, with annual deaths comparable to (and higher than) diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and AIDS.
For the FIA not to do its part to help drive down the number of accidents and injuries around the world would be irresponsible, Todt asserted.
In the FIA's broad portfolio can be found leading sports personalities who can spread a positive PR message; there is acres of research on driver safety, road cars, and accidents that can help contribute to educating road users and improving automotive standards; and there is a network of member clubs that can use their influence to push for user-friendly roads with adequate lights, barriers, crossings, and walkways.
But for all his interest in road safety, when asked for the achievement of which he is proudest Todt pointed to the 2001 foundation of the Brain and Spine Institute (Institut du cerveau et de la moelle épinière), and on whose board he continues to sit as vice president.
"The Institute is probably the best thing I have ever achieved and is more spectacular than running an F1 team," Todt said. "Being able to found a 25,000 square metre brain and spinal research institute with 600 people and private funding... I know the interest is very limited, that you would prefer a controversy between one driver and another one, but that is the way it is."
In a philosophical end to the interview, Todt reflected on the evolution of his career, and his growing interest in campaigning and public work. "I love motorsport but it has to be left as a show, as a technology," he said. "I feel in your life you have a lot of other things. Maybe at this point in my life, because you start your own mission... It is just evolution of life. Maybe I put more interest on the things that are not directly linked to F1. People may interpret that as me not being interested in F1, but that is not true. I am not only interested by F1."