MOSELEY TO MISS BAHRAIN GP
FIA president Max Mosley will not be present at this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix following allegations about his private live.
The FIA boss had planned to attend this weekend's event in Bahrain, but will remain in the UK for what were described as "legal matters" by a spokesperson.
The News of the World that the 67-year-old took part in a "Nazi-style orgy in a torture dungeon" and in light of the report, was advised by F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone that his attendance would not be approved of by the Bahraini royal family.
After an exciting start to the Formula One season, can Lewis Hamilton extend his championship lead or will the Ferrari drivers steal the headlines again? Check out all the latest formula one betting markets at Sporting Index.
Mosley, son of former British Union of Fascists leader Oswald Mosley, has pledged to carry on as FIA president and claimed that any "Nazi connotation" was "entirely false."
"I will not allow any of this to impede my commitment to the FIA," he added.
He is also said to be considering legal action against the newspaper.
Mosley, who is elected into FIA presidency by the FIA
membership of national automobile clubs and motorsport bodies, sees his current
presidency end in October 2009.
Several car manufacturers have now distanced themselves from reports, with BMW, Mercedes, Honda and Toyota all commenting on the situation.
A joint statement released by German manufacturers BMW and Mercedes, branding the reports as disgraceful, although there was not clarification as to whether the comments were aimed at Mosley or the News of the World.
Their statement read: "The content of the publications is disgraceful. As a company, we strongly distance ourselves from it.
"This incident concerns Max Mosley both personally and as president of the FIA, the global umbrella organisation for motoring clubs.
"Its consequences therefore extend far beyond the motor sport industry. We await a response from the relevant FIA bodies."
Honda F1 claimed that it expected higher standards from the sport's senior figures.
"It is necessary that senior figures in sport and business maintain the highest standards of conduct in order to fulfil their duties with integrity and respect," said a statement from Honda Racing.
"The Honda Racing F1 Team is extremely disappointed by recent events surrounding Mr Mosley and we are concerned that the reputation of Formula One and all its participants is being damaged.
"We request that the FIA gives this matter careful consideration and reaches an immediate decision in the best interests of F1 and motorsport."
Toyota's statement echoed those sentiments, claiming that "It will be for the FIA to decide whether Mr Mosley has met the moral obligations which come with the position of FIA president."
Related links:
