Expert will assess 'Nazi' element to Mosley tale

Published on Tuesday 6 May 2008 23:35

THE FIA has appointed "an independent expert" to assess the 'Nazi-style' element to sexual allegations surrounding president Max Mosley.

Mosley faces an extraordinary hearing of the world governing body's general assembly in Paris on 3 June, at which a vote of confidence will be taken on his position.

This follows a Sunday tabloid article, published at the end of March, in which it is claimed Mosley took part in a 'Nazi-style' orgy with prostitutes.

Mosley, 68, has vehemently denied any 'Nazi' connotation and is pursuing unlimited damages from the News of the World at a legal case to be heard in July.

Prior to that, Mosley faces a fight to remain in office, with the FIA commissioning leading barrister Anthony Scrivener QC to assist in the matter.

A FIA statement read: "Senior officers of the FIA have appointed Anthony Scrivener QC as an independent expert to undertake a full analysis of the available evidence relating to allegations in the News of the World that Mr Mosley was involved in 'Nazi- style' activities.

"Mr Mosley has welcomed this appointment.

"Mr Scrivener QC will provide an opinion on whether the available evidence supports the use by the News of the World of this description.

"Should the FIA Extraordinary General Assembly so decide, this opinion will be available to the member clubs of the FIA following the hearing on 3 June."

Mr Scrivener QC is an eminent member of the bar of England and Wales.

&#149 The struggling Super Aguri team withdrew from the Formula One championship yesterday due to financial difficulties.

The team had been fighting for their survival since last season when promised major sponsorship failed to emerge while backers Honda were not prepared to offer long-term support.

"Super Aguri will be ceasing its racing activities as of today," team founder Aguri Suzuki told a hastily convened news conference ahead of Sunday's Turkish GP. "It had always been my dream to be a Formula One owner. The past two and a half years have flown past but I have no regrets."

A planned takeover by the Magma Group, with Dubai money, collapsed last month and Honda were lukewarm about an 11th-hour rescue bid from Germany's Weigl Group. "We simply ran out of time to put together a deal with Weigl," said Suzuki.