Todt helps out his charity - 1st July 21:22pm GMT

The French Grand Prix will be a special occasion for Jean Todt, and not only becomes it is his 'home' race. Ferrari’s Director General is one of the supporters, together with the race organisers of Magny-Cours, of a charity event in favour of ICM, the French institute for research into brain and spinal cord diseases.

ICM grew from an original idea from three world-renowned medical professors: the specialist in orthopaedics and traumatology, Gérard Saillant, and two neurologists, Yves Agid and Olivier Lyon Caen. The Institute's plans were officially presented on 21 January and will be completed in 2008 with the construction of a well equipped hospital. By 2005, a research centre will be up and running.

Jean Todt - and Michael Schumacher - was one of the charity’s original supporters and opted to take an active part in the event to help ensure its success. Two lucky winners will be drawn from all those who donate to the cause over the Grand Prix weekend. The two will climb on board a production Ferrari with two exceptional drivers behind the wheel: Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello.

The FFSA, the French motor racing association, will donate a slice of the profits from the Grand Prix weekend ticket sales.