Ferrari chief performs Mosley U-turn

Published on Thursday 5 June 2008 23:21

FERRARI president Luca di Montezemolo said yesterday he was pleased Max Mosley was staying as head of motor racing's world governing body, having previously indicated the Briton should think about quitting.

Mosley was given a strong vote of confidence to remain president of the International Automobile Federation (FIA) on Tuesday, gaining 103 votes to 55 against in a secret ballot at an extraordinary meeting of the general assembly in Paris.

The 68-year-old has ignored calls to quit since March when the News of the World published lurid allegations about his private life. Montezemolo was quoted on Wednesday as saying Mosley "should realise that sometimes it is necessary to say to yourself I have to leave for reasons of credibility."

But Formula 1 world champions Ferrari issued a statement yesterday in which Montezemolo clarified his stance. "I am happy Max Mosley has been confirmed as president of the FIA, through the years he has done an excellent job for Formula 1," he said. "With regards his future, it will only be up to him to decide if and when to take a step back."

The Mosley controversy was still dominating F1 yesterday as the drivers started to arrive in Montreal for this weekend's Canadian Grand Prix. Toyota said that it was now time for the sport to move on.

"Toyota Motorsport acknowledges the result of the extraordinary general assembly and accepts the decision taken," the Japanese manufacturer said in a statement. "Now that the FIA membership has expressed its view we hope that motorsport is able to conduct its activities unhindered by scandal, controversy and negative publicity.

The Germany-based team – which had issued a strong statement at the Bahrain Grand Prix in April condemning "any behaviour which could be seen to damage Formula 1's image – added: "We also acknowledge and understand the position of the major touring clubs, of which many of our customers are members."

German carmaker BMW, who had also called into question Mosley's future, said they accepted the outcome. "We respect this decision, which was made by the delegates in full knowledge of the facts," said BMW Sauber team boss Mario Theissen.

"It is important now for everyone concerned to turn their undivided attention back to the sport."