GPWizard F1 Forum
F1 News & Discussions => General F1 Discussion => Topic started by: FW14B on April 03, 2008, 10:14:01 AM
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Come on, bring it on, surely he cannot continue with the pressure that is coming his way. With the Middle East being considered so important for F1, how can he stay in power? And now even teams are coming out distancing themselves from him.
From Autosport:
German car manufacturers BMW and Mercedes-Benz have issued a statement labeling FIA president Max Mosley's behaviour as 'disgraceful'.
In the first public comment made by Formula One competitors since details of Mosley's private life were revealed in the News of the World, the car makers say that they distance themselves from what has happened.
And they make it clear that the implications for the revelations go far beyond just F1.
A joint statement issued by them said: "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."
Mosley wrote a letter to the FIA earlier this week apologising for any embarrassment caused by the News of the World story, but emphasising that he intends to carry on in his role with motor racing's governing body.
In the wake of the story, however, Mosley has cancelled a planned visit to this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix. This morning's Times newspaper revealed that the Bahraini royal family had written to Mosley making it clear that they did not wish him to turn up.
Also from Autosport:
Sheikh Salman Bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, the Crown Prince of Bahrain, says it would be inappropriate for FIA president Max Mosley to attend this weekend's race following revelations about him in a tabloid newspaper.
The FIA head was originally scheduled to attend the race, but a spokesman said on Thursday he would not travel to Bahrain as he was busy with legal matters.
"The FIA President was originally scheduled to attend the race in Bahrain but legal matters have detained him in London," he said.
The Times newspaper, however, reports that the Crown Price of Bahrain had asked Mosley not to attend the event in order to keep the focus on the grand prix.
It it unknown if the letter had been sent before or after the FIA confirmed Mosley would not travel to Bahrain.
"In light of the allegations, I suspect you may be deliberating on your planned attendance at the Grand Prix here in Bahrain later in the week," The Times quoted the Crown Prince as writing in a letter to Mosley.
"I therefore felt it important to convey the position of Bahrain and its people.
"Clearly of paramount importance is the success of the event for all concerned — the Kingdom of Bahrain, Formula One and spectators. The focus quite rightly should be on the race.
"With great regret, I feel that under the current circumstances, it would be inappropriate for you to be in Bahrain at this time."
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Absolutely fantastic, I think everyone should denounce this deplorable act by Mosely. There are very few supporters that think 'what mosely did in his private life is his own business'. This would be true if it wasn't brought to light. Now that it is in the public domain, he answers to public opinion. He shouldn't be allowed to decide if he continues in his role, he needs to be summarily dismissed with immediate effect, full forfeiture of any pay and benefits owing to him and finally, banned from all motorsport events for the remainder of his life.
But that's just my opinion on the matter.
Rom
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Oh the ban for life would be sweet! Sorry if it seems like I'm rubbing my hands with glee, but I am!
BMW and Merc issuing a joint statement is fantastic, especially with the quote "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", and especially with that last sentence - meaning "We are WAITING for his immediate dismissal" is just wonderful.
I'm telling you guys, it's coming tomorrow...or Saturday at the very latest. Max is toast!
Rom, unfortunately (for us) the FIA presidency is currently an unpaid position, so he will be due nothing.
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I wonder if our friends in Maranello will feel the need to say anything some time soon.
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Toyota Motorsport Statement
"Toyota Motorsport does not approve of any behaviour which could be seen to damage Formula 1's image, in particular any behaviour which could be understood to be racist or anti-Semitic."
"Senior figures within any sport or business, including motorsport, must adhere to high standards of behaviour."
"When all the facts are known, it will be for the FIA to decide whether Mr Mosley has met the moral obligations which come with the position of FIA President."
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A Statement from the Honda Racing F1 Team
"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."
"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."
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What a surprise...Paul Stoddard:
As the Manufacturers make their feelings known with regard to FIA President Max Moseley and his alleged actions last weekend, Paul Stoddart, the former owner of the Minardi Formula One team, is clear in his view of the Mosley situation.
"He has to go - he absolutely has to go," he told BBC Radio Five Live.
"Anyone in public office cannot survive a scandal like this... He is dragging the FIA down into the gutter."
"He is the head of the FIA," Stoddart continued. "You cannot have someone in his position in which his role is to meet leaders all over the world."
Stoddart said that he was not surprised when he first heard the reports of Mosley's activities and that the FIA President is bringing the sport into disrepute.
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hey hold on you lot - what happened to the "innocent until proven guilty" maxim?
a b***** tabloid prints an unsustantiated story and already the lynch mob is out. The photo's of people who are described as wearing Nazi type costumes clearly are not but away the mob goes with its knee-jerk reaction.
Sure, many of us find Max Mosly easy to dislike but it is very obvious to me the stories printed by this mob of tabloids are false and will result in them paying substantial damages to Mr Max Mosley.
And anyway, when has a person's private life had any real bearing on his ability to do a job?
Furthermore are you people b----y saints as well? :stop:
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Get over it SennaMan - have you seen the video?? If you haven't, you should, it's a good show, and pretty darn clear. What the tabloids print is dramatic and over-the-top, but what I'm posting is the manufacturer's response to the episode THAT ACTUALLY TOOK PLACE. He doesn't have to be proven guilty, he doesn't even claim that it didn't happen, just that it didn't have the Nazi connotation to it (which it clearly DID - but who cares). If you drive a dump truck, nobody cares what you do in your spare time. When you are the elected head of the world motorsports body and represent morality and sporting behaviour around the world - it kind of interferes with things.
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Max just doesn't GET IT!! It's not really even about the Nazi element - it is quite simply that he was involved in something that is not considered appropriate by someone who represents the sport, who deals with major manufacturer's, sponsors and world leaders on a regular basis.
ANY S&M activity that is filmed and distributed widely on the internet would bring down the lowliest of mayors, or even business leaders - that is an (unfortunate) reality. Why on earth does he really think that the FIA would respond on his behalf in his support?? What about Toyota? What about Honda? Are they also angered about the Nazi element? I doubt it - they are angered about the misbehaviour of Max, PERIOD!
Anyhow, here is Max's naive and shallow response...'disappointed in the German manufacturer's' INDEED!!:
A morning of statements regarding the FIA President
03/04/08 13:25
Max Mosley on Thursday responded with disappointment to news that carmakers involved in formula one had denounced his involvement in the sex scandal.
Germany's BMW and Mercedes-Benz were the first to slam the FIA President's allegedly 'disgraceful' behaviour, that at the weekend was revealed by the British tabloid press.
Mosley, who in a letter to FIA affiliates this week did not deny his escapades with five prostitutes, responded: "Given the history of BMW and Mercedes-Benz, particularly before and during the Second World War, I fully understand why they would wish to strongly distance themselves from what they rightly describe as the disgraceful content of these publications," he said, no doubt referring to the Nazi elements of News of the World's reportage.
"Unfortunately, they did not contact me before putting out their statement to ask whether the content was in fact true," the 67-year-old added.
"No doubt, the FIA will respond to them in due course, as I am about to respond to the newspaper in question."
But Mosley's support base subsequently only dwindled further, when F1's Japanese contingent - manufacturers Honda and Toyota - also slammed his conduct.
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I don't think any of us are saying that we are saints. But also none of us are in a position of international power and in the media spotlight. A persons privacy is sacred, however, like the paris hilton tape, once it's in the public arena you are now subject to the public opinion, both positive and negative.
As you say, innocent until proven guilty is the way people are to be treated........ in the courts. The court of public opinion has no such rules, it is raw human emotion that is driving this. I applaude your neutral thinking on the situation. I however am not able to control my emotion over this and felt strongly enough to share my opinion with you all.
I think this may be the case with the others that have posted negative Mosly comments here.
But as usual this is just my opinion on the matter.
Take it easy SennaMan
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Get over it SennaMan - have you seen the video??
My apologies SennaMan - that was rude. My reaction was regarding your assertion that the entire story was obviously false. That is your opinion and you are entitled to it.
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From the FIA's online statutes:
ARTICLE 27 - RESIGNATIONS - STRIKING OFF THE ROLLS - EXPELLING – SANCTIONS
In addition, the World Motor Sport Council may directly impose the sanctions provided for in the International Sporting Code, and where appropriate the World Council for Automobile Mobility and Tourism may impose fines on or demand the exclusion from FIA bodies or international sporting events of licence holders, executive officers or members of ASNs or ACNs:
5) who by words, deeds or writings have inflicted moral injury and loss on the FIA, a World Council, their Members or their executive officers.
Let's fine Max $100million!!
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First off, I'd love to see Max out of the sport. I think he should have been shown the door after Indy 2005. His exit would be a great boon to the sport.
That said, I have to agree with SennsMan. What happens behind closed doors between concenting adults has nothing to do with their job performance. Governor Spitzer's acts had nothing to do with the governence of New York. The state would be far better off if he continued in office. America would have been far better off without the impeachment of President Clinton.
I don’t agree that Mosley’s actions have inflicted moral injury on the FIA. First, these were the actions of a private individual on his own time. As such, it shouldn’t reflect on the FIA in any way. Second, his actions, while distasteful, were not immoral. The neo-puritanical attitude that certain sexual acts between consenting adults belong in the 19th century.
While the Nazi aspect of this episode is highly distasteful given Mosley’s background, it wasn’t like he was advocating Nazism.
I never thought I’d be put in the place of defending Max, but fair is fair. Neo-Puritanism is one of the most insidious forces in society today. We should not endorse it, no matter how good the action we seek (dumping Max) is. The ends do not justify the means.
I hope I haven’t offended any of my friends here at GPW.
Cos
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I think youre comments are spot on cosworth.
We will all have to wait and see what the backlash will be on this subject in the coming weeks.
TheStig
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Well said, Cos, and in a perfect world (in particular, one free of the internet)...
Nobody can question Max's job performance, so it seems. I believe that he has done the sport plenty of harm by his inequal handling of various situations in F1 throughout the years - yet like you point out with regards to the Indy 2005 debacle, he was not shown the door, mainly because it's HIS door.
Although my posts are riddled with my own gleeful comments on the Max farce, most of them are filled with comments by stakeholders in the sport. Since F1 is primarily a sponsored entertainment, those sponsors provide the backbone of the financial side of F1, employing thousands of people and entertaining millions of fans. Being associated with F1 is their perogative, and if they decide that it is being run by someone they don't want to associate with, that is also their perogative. Simply put, and as much as many - like Bernie - have often disagreed with the possibility of, it is BAD PUBLICITY. Because of this, they can, and should, force him out.
And I will be glad...however it happens.
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The way I see it they have caught him red-handed. They have printed and filmed what he did. He has denied a part of it and is indulging in mud-slinging at all and sundry. BMW and Mercedes have had their record from WWII dredged up. I am sure that is not what they expect from the person who heads up the organisation that represents their industry.
He has be aimless slining mud at people organising a conspiracy against him. He is persona non grata in Bahrain. He has 4 of the 6 manufacturers in F1 against him. Ferrari won't put the boot in and who knows what Renault will do.
He has spent the last few years persecuting people with little or no evidence so it is no good him now claiming that the case against him has the odd alleged error in it.
He is the ex-President. He has ceased to exist. It's just that Bernie hasn't told him yet. My revised guess would be Tuesday or Wednesday.
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http://youtube.com/watch?v=9hHa5C8YU8s
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So that is where Ferrari got the idea for the hole in the nosecone from.
TheStig
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This just came in on AutoWeek's Daily Drive e-newsletter:
FIA president Max Mosley on Thursday asked for an extraordinary general assembly meeting of the FIA to address the sex scandal that has enveloped him and the international racing community this week.
Mosley's call for the meeting comes in the wake of critical statements issued by Formula One manufacturers BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Honda and Toyota. A meeting date has not been set.
"The full membership of the FIA will be invited to attend the meeting at which the widespread publicity following an apparently illegal invasion of the FIA president's privacy will be discussed," the FIA said in a statement. The FIA noted that Mr. Mosley is preparing legal proceedings against the News of the World, which broke the sex scandal story.
"It is anticipated that the meeting will take place in Paris. It will be held on the earliest practicable date. No further comments will be made by the FIA regarding the matter at this stage," the statement said.
I don't see this happening until after Bahrain, so it looks like Max is safe until at least next week.
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Unless Bernie thinks that will be too late.
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At the start of the week there was one video on youtube and that was pulled due to NOTW copyright. I guess a few people made copies.
He must know by now that he can't carry on but he has always been delusional and detached from reality. Bernie and Piccinini will explain things to him over the weekend and the car manufacturers will let him know what they think.
At the EGM all he can do is ask for a vote of confidence or resign. I would guess a few people will be preparing for the election when he goes.
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Due to some fairly obscure rules, the EGA has to be between 35 and 42 days of the invitation being extended, putting this meeting at mid-May. It doesn't have the remit to do votes of confidence and Max is unlikely to allow anyone in the FIA Senate to put an expulsion vote on the agenda. Also, there is no sense in Max calling an EGA just to resign - he can do that when he likes and control how he resigns without needing anyone else's say-so. This is probably an attacking EGA (perhaps tightening the rules on the media, which does require General Assembly consent) rather than a defensive one.
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It's Max playing for time while appearing to respond to the manufacturer's demand for immediate action. Hopefully the manufacturers will see through this obvious ploy and repeat that they want action now, not in six weeks time. Every day that Max manages to hang on more damage is being done to the sport. Max could not care less about that, he wants only to hang on to his little fiefdom. The man must go immediately.
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The German press is going to town about Max trying to draw them into the whole affair by referring to their participation in and before WWII. Theissen said that they issued their statement to clarify their position on the matter, and besides, Max had not tried to contact them to make any clarification, so why is the onus on them to find out from him??
Methinks Max is going down today, but if not, he will not make it to next Wednesday. FIA meeting or not. Word is that Hermann Tomczyk is the heir apparent...not Tony Purnell.
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Autosport again:
The ADAC, Germany's national motoring body, has written to FIA president Max Mosley asking him to 'reconsider' his position in the wake of the controversy over his private life.
Mosley has called an extraordinary meeting of the FIA membership to discuss the fallout from the tabloid revelations that have dominated headlines in recent days. It is understood Mosley wants to hold the meeting to provide 'total clarity' on the situation for members of motor racing's governing body.
With car manufacturers BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Honda and Toyota having issued statements in Bahrain expressing their concern about the revelations made by the News of the World last weekend, now ADAC has also voiced its own worries about the impact of the affair.
In a statement issued by the organisation, it confirmed that it had written to Mosley asking him to consider his future, as it did not feel it appropriate he could continue in his role against the backdrop of the scandal.
The release said: "In a letter to FIA president Max Mosley, the ADAC has distanced itself from events surrounding his person. According to the ADAC, the role of an FIA president who represents more than 100 million motorists worldwide should not be burdened by such an affair. Therefore, we ask the president to 'very carefully reconsider his role within the organisation'.
"According to the ADAC, the appropriate FIA process has to take care of the matter. It is in the interests of this world organisation to carry on with its duties without the burden of this affair."
Mosley wrote to all FIA national bodies, including the ADAC, earlier this week to apologise for any embarrassment that the affair had caused. He made it clear, however, that he had no intention of stepping down from his position because of what had happened.
"I have received a very large number of messages of sympathy and support from those within the FIA and the motor sport and motoring communities generally, suggesting that my private life is not relevant to my work and that I should continue in my role," wrote Mosley in the letter.
"I am grateful and with your support I intend to follow this advice."
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From F1 Live
Any remaining support for embattled FIA President Max Mosley withered bare on Sunday, as the Formula One world rested from the sex scandal for 91 minutes to take in the Bahrain Grand Prix.
It was a day that went from worse to hopeless for the 67-year-old Briton, who - barred from the event by the royal family - watched from one of his homes in Europe as Felipe Massa win the Sakhir race.
F1 Chief Executive Bernie Ecclestone, whose refusal to condemn his long-time friend thus far was a lingering hope for Mosley, cancelled a scheduled interview spot with the British broadcaster ITV - another sign that the writing is already on the wall.
Ecclestone's deafening refusal to clearly back Mosley may have been motivated by the conspicuous presence in the paddock on Sunday of Sir Fred Goodwin and Arun Sarin - respectively the biggest bigwigs of the major F1 team sponsors RBS and Vodafone.
"It's an FIA matter but we're watching it closely," Goodwin told the Daily Mail after a meeting with Ecclestone.
A writer for the Daily Telegraph observed: "Ecclestone has privately accepted his old comrade has to go, but was hoping he would not be required to handle the instrument of execution.
Now, he has no choice."
Meanwhile, the Australian federation reportedly joined the growing mound of Mosley opposition, as did the highest ranking motor racing official in Spain, Carlos Gracia.
"It is clear that this is a very unpleasant affair that is deteriorating the image of motor racing," he told the Spanish radio station Cadena SER from Bahrain.
Even those who had previously and historically supported Mosley are having to change their minds, as it becomes obvious that resignation is the only cure to one of F1's biggest ever scandals.
"If Max starts to think about things without emotion, then there can be only one conclusion - he has to resign," said former triple world champion Niki Lauda.
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From Planet F1
'Max has painted motorsport in a bad light'
Tuesday 8th April 2008
Mike Gascoyne believes it is incumbent on Max Mosley to consider his position as president of the FIA following a scandal he feels has "painted motorsport in a very bad light".
Gascoyne is a respected figure in the Formula One paddock as he has been involved at the highest level of the sport for 19 years.
His CV is an impressive one as he has worked at McLaren, Tyrrell, Sauber, Jordan, Benetton, Toyota and Spyker, with his latest role technical director at Force India.
With the exception of four major manufacturers in Mercedes, BMW, Honda and Toyota, who all made their views plain last week, the remainder of F1 has shied away from the subject of Mosley.
The allegations in the News of the World about Mosley, who is the figurehead of motor sport and motoring communities across the world, have led to various organisations and personalities calling for him to resign.
Although Gascoyne falls short of joining such a chorus, he is at least willing to offer an opinion when so many have stayed silent.
Insisting his views are from a personal perspective, and not those of the team, he said: "It's a great shame. We've a fantastic season of motor racing, and we're all talking about something other than that.
"I think any person in that position has to consider the impact of their actions.
"As a head of a worldwide body, you have to consider whether that is appropriate, and I don't think it is. I'm sure most people agree.
"The problem we have is that if he wishes to stay it will devalue his office.
"It's true that what anyone does in their private life should be their own business, but the fact is it has been exposed, and you can't undo that.
"It is painting the whole of motorsport in a very bad light, and in my mind, someone in that position has to consider that position.
"Generally, I've always found Max a perfectly pleasant, charming guy, and as I say, what he wants to do in his private life is up to him.
"But as a public figure, given this is now in the public domain, rightly or wrongly, you then have to act accordingly."
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An interesting read - the history of Max Mosley
Lifted from F1 Insight (Pink Peril)
http://www.sportspromedia.com/mosley.htm
to be taken with a grain of salt...
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In case anyone wasn't convinced that Max Mosley is playing for time to try riding out the storm, he's appointed a PR firm (http://www.pitpass.com/fes_php/pitpass_news_item.php?fes_art_id=34434) to "help" his case.
Sorry, if his case needs a PR firm, it's not that good!
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I read in the newspapers that if he had been caught for speeding or drink driving he would have resigned the same day.
I agree he will not go without a fight,and the latest news of a PR firm to handle his case is further proof of this.
TheStig
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That link doesn't work Ali.
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Max has done as much or more to bring the sport into disrepute than anyone in its history. It would be ironic, indeed, if his fall resulted from something that has nothing to do with F1.
Paul Stoddart does a fine job of recapping some of Max's fiascos, including the 2005 USGP:
http://www.pitpass.com/fes_php/pitpass_feature_item.php?fes_art_id=34439
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I can't replicate the problem, Steven, so I'll try an alternative link for Max Mosley appointing a PR firm (http://www.pitpass.com/fes_php/pitpass_print_article.php?fes_art_id=34434).
The irony is that the PR firm is run by Phil Hall, who used to be the editor of... ...News of the World!
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Damon joins the gang...
From F1 Live - oh, and Happy Birthday, Max!
Damon Hill, the President of the club that owns British Grand Prix venue Silverstone, has added his disapproval to the Max Mosley sex scandal.
While the British motor racing body MSA has declined to offer an opinion on the affair, Hill sides with those who indicate that the shamed FIA President should step down.
The FIA senate will cast a confidence vote relating to 68-year-old Mosley's Presidency on 3rd June.
"None of us wants to be moralising about individuals, but there has to be an element here to do with the image of the sport, and the ability of the premier representative of the sport in the world to continue to engage with a politic concerned about values," the BRDC President is quoted as saying by The Times.
"It's a practical issue, but it's also a marketing issue," he added.
"Businesses connected with the sport want a positive image, and politicians want to engage with it because they know motorsport people support those values.
Figures from within the inner sanctum of the F1 paddock have been reluctant to comment on the affair, but Mike Gascoyne - the technical boss of Force India - is an exception.
"If he wishes to stay, it will devalue his office down to the level at which it is perceived, which is obviously not good," he said recently.
"It is painting the whole of motorsport in a very bad light and someone in that position, to my mind, has to be honourable and consider their position," Gascoyne added.
Mosley turned 68 on Sunday.
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I wonder if he got paddled for his birthday? ;)
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68 Times! Yummy!
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http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/1304_mosley.shtml
According to the NOTW site the Vatican is entitled to a vote at the EGA. Being the NOTW they point out that the pope was a member of the Hitler Youth.
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I don't think that'll figure into the decision, since the Pope is supposed to set a moral example to the faithful. Catholicism is not particularly tolerant of orgies of any kind, so surely the Vatican will have to vote to remove Max...
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You set a good question here.
Max carried out his exploits in private.He was only exposed to the WORLD by a prostitute hoping to gain from the meeting.
On the other hand he has been found out for going with a prostitute,in his private life,invasion or not.
The damage it has caused is without saying,and everyone is invoved including the Pope, will have a say on the outcome of events.
I feel he should step down from the role, as he has by his own actions bought the sport into the sorid affair by being who he is.This is the matter that should be judged at the end of the day.
I respect his privacy to carry out what he wants to do behind closed doors,but with such a high profile, the only way now is to resign from the position he still holds.
and do the correct thing for F1
TheStig
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I think it is insanity his own)that is preventing his resignation and a complete and utter disregard for the people at large. I don't know what he will achieve by hanging on ?
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Nail on the head.
Max is insane. There has been plenty of evidence of that over recent years, but since this scandal has broken, his action (or inaction) has displayed an incoherence that is inexcusable. He should have immediately resigned (if for no other reason than to confirm my prediction :D ). The fact that he is holding out until June shows only that he is so far out of touch, that he should get some psychiatric counseling.
Again, the man is simply insane.
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If this is the best Max's PR company can come up with after a week he is in trouble.
http://www.crash.net/motorsport/f1/news/162058-0/mosley_scandal_can_be_a_'nine-day_wonder'.html
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Now Mark Webber...from F1 Live
Voices demanding Max Mosley's resignation or dismissal as FIA President continue to be heard, with the latest coming from Australian driver Mark Webber.
During an interview with BBC Sport, Webber expressed his opinion regarding Mosley, whose prison camp-themed sadomasochistic sex session with five prostitutes has been publicly reported by British newspaper News of the World since March 30th, including video and audio extracts.
The scandal has since regularly generated many worldwide calls to end Mosley's tenure as President of the FIA, which represents motoring organisations and is the governing body of motorsports.
"I'm not interested in commenting on Mosley specifically, but what concerns me is that the current scandal has brought the sport into disrepute," stated Webber. "Formula One is the pinnacle of motorsport, all of us involved have worked very very hard to get there, and whether we like it or not, we are role models."
"Whether Max chooses to resign or how the vote will go at the extraordinary meeting on the 3rd of June is a matter for him and the FIA membership, but my point is simply that Formula One cannot have scandals of this type," Webber declared.
Mosley has decided to confront the storm through legal action in England and France, and is trying to hold on to his post by downplaying the whole situation, describing it as a personal matter which has no influence on his public duties.
The extraordinary general meeting to be held by the FIA members in June will be a turning point if Mosley has not resigned by then.
"We've got the confidence in the people," Webber said. "They have all the information they need to make the decision that will see if he will continue."
Many national associations have publicly demanded Max Mosley's resignation, while certain FIA members have already declared their intention to vote against a continued mandate for the embattled FIA President.
Global car manufacturers Honda, BMW, Mercedes and Toyota have released statements along the same lines, yet many other parties involved in F1 – including teams and drivers – have remained silent on the matter.
Mark Webber believes that opinions have already been made but that official positions are standing by for the June 3rd assembly: "I think they are waiting for the extraordinary meeting to take place. A lot of people are sitting on the fence and waiting for the right protocol to happen. And I'm sure on the 4th of June we'll have more reaction."
The Australian indicated that the Mosley sex scandal not only affects Formula One, on which most of the media has focused, but also stains many other FIA-associated motorsport fields around the world such as rallying and karting.
"You know, it's not just Formula One; there's lots of sports. Formula One is the pinnacle of motorsport and that's why it's the sport that has been chosen (by the media). A lot of other sports have been brought into and tarred with the same brush," Webber pointed out.
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French Judge to decide on access to video and news of Mosley
From F1 Live
A judge will rule on April 29 as to whether the Max Mosley sex video should be banned from being accessed on French territory.
The embattled FIA President's efforts to suppress the notorious News of the World footage in the London High Court failed recently, but Mosley last week lodged the same complaint in the French jurisdiction.
Mosley also wants paper copies of the British tabloid newspaper seized in France, and 25,000 euros in damages for each offence.
His lawyer, Philippe Ouakrat, said the video is a "violation of his right to respect for his private life.
In terms of privacy, the French legal system is among the most protective that exists, according to information obtained from the Embassy of France in the United States.
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Porche ruling out F1 as an option while Max is around...
The last paragraph is most poignant.
From F1 Live
The Max Mosley sex scandal has apparently made it even less likely that Porsche, the German manufacturer, will enter Formula One.
Porsche chairman Wolfgang Porsche is quoted as telling German news magazine Stern on Friday: "After the affair with Max Mosley and the women it would not be very savoury to get involved now."
Porsche is bidding to take control of Volkswagen, the world's fourth largest car producer that has also resisted racing in F1.
VW chairman Ferdinand Piech, referring to the average Formula One annual budget, also told Stern: "300 million euros a year -- that is just burning money.
Ironically enough, Mosley's ongoing plan to limit expenses in F1 not only had as purpose the controlling of costs, but was also a means by which to interest other manufacturers in joining. In this case at least, it seems his personal conduct is in part resulting with the opposite effect.
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To punish and be punished is what Max really likes, that much is obvious. I suspect that he will be punished, but with a paddle of the media and the FIA.
He pushes his chest out like a 10 year old to say that for every letter from FIA organizations that want him to leave, he's received 7 (or so) that want him to stay. Can he NAME any of these?? Or are just his imagination? The old man is clearly having a period of dimentia. Bernie feels this or that? Bernie has never been one to mince words, so if he feels that it's disgusting that Max has had his privacy invaded, he would certainly say something. I'm baffled that Bernie has not already come out against Max (although my earlier comment about Bernie possibly having some dirty laundry that Max may have washed stands).
From F1 Live
Max Mosley told a British newspaper on Sunday that he intends to "stay and fight" despite widespread calls for him to resign as FIA president.
The 68-year-old Englishman said he decided to give his first media interview since the News of the World sex scandal broke because of the "enormous publicity" generated by revelations of his allegedly Nazi-themed orgy with five prostitutes.
Mosley said he will not quit yet because at least "more than seven" motoring club presidents want him to stay.
"For every letter I've had from a club president saying 'I think you should step down' or 'I think you should consider your position', I've had seven, slightly more than seven, who said 'you've absolutely got to stay, don't give an inch', and 'this is the most outrageous invasion', and suggesting that there's more to this than meets the eye, which of course there may be," he said.
Mosley suggests many of the people who have criticised him are mostly the ones that do not agree that "eccentric sexual activity" is acceptable.
"(But) most people say if somebody likes doing that, if it's not harming anybody, if it's in private and it's completely secret and personal, it's nothing to do with me," he said.
The FIA senate, comprising 222 members, will vote on June 3 as to whether Mosley can remain president of the global motoring body.
"It's a matter for them," he told the Sunday Telegraph.
"It's not a matter for old drivers and things of that kind."
Whether he is axed or not, Mosley insists that it was always his intention not to contest the next election, scheduled for late next year.
"I was never going to go beyond 2009," he said, explaining that working effectively at the age of 73 would be "very marginal".
"I kept quiet about that because the lesson with Tony Blair is, the day you say you're going to stop, you lose your influence," Mosley added.
He also countered reports that he has lost the support of his long-time friend, ally and fellow F1 powerbroker, Bernie Ecclestone.
"Certainly he's supportive and he thinks it's disgusting, but he's got to get on and run his business," he said.
"I feel that with me nothing's changed. I see it as an awful intrusion into my private life which is not justifiable by any means, and which I hope will now be punished."
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Todt supports Mosley...gee what a surprise! Although I think it makes his chances of taking on the FIA Presidency narrow down to slim (which I'm happy about too).
It seems like I'm a one man band with these posts and comments. Yeah, I don't like Max in fact I REALLY don't like him. Topping off his various pro-Ferrari rulings and penalties over the years, the one thing that I just cannot get over is the fine he gave McLaren last year and the continued FIA intrusion into their affairs (stopping developement on systems that Max sees as possibly begun as a result of the Ferrari data that Coughlin had in his possession). He is a petty, insane man, and I hope to see the last of him in F1 very soon.
Plus I'm bored waiting for the Spanish race (although I just finished watching the Malaysian race thanks so much to Rom - I really appreciate the DVD...you should have left the ads in, the Oz ads are usually pretty funny The Swiss don't bother with ads in their F1 show, might be something to do with Bernie's tax status here).
Anyway, here is the F1 Article about Todt and his support:
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oops - here it is:
The former boss of the Ferrari team has refused to join calls for embattled FIA President Max Mosley to resign.
Some sections of the motoring and motor racing worlds have condemned the 67-year-old Englishman further after he stated at the weekend that he intends to 'stay and fight'.
But Jean Todt, the son of a Polish Jew who has even been touted by some as a possible candidate to replace the current FIA chief, refuses to accept that the affair is proof that Mosley is racist.
"Absolutely not," the Frenchman is quoted as saying by the Daily Mail.
"He's a true President. He knows his brief and is a great worker, reliable, very intelligent, a man of rare elegance.
"He's a true leader. I'm still amazed people concentrate on things which are nothing to do with his role," Todt added.
Monday did not, however, deliver only good news to the Mosley camp.
It emerged in the pages of the broadsheet Times newspaper - a sister publication to News of the World - that despite Mosley's visit this weekend to the Jordan Rally, the King of Jordan does not want to formally meet with him.
Instead, Mosley will be the guest of King Abdullah's brother, Prince Feisal.
"Definitely Mosley is not going to see the King," a source is quoted as saying. "If he does see him, it will not be publicised."
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It seems like I'm a one man band with these posts and comments. Yeah, I don't like Max in fact I REALLY don't like him. Topping off his various pro-Ferrari rulings and penalties over the years, the one thing that I just cannot get over is the fine he gave McLaren last year and the continued FIA intrusion into their affairs (stopping developement on systems that Max sees as possibly begun as a result of the Ferrari data that Coughlin had in his possession). He is a petty, insane man, and I hope to see the last of him in F1 very soon.
Yes ScottyD, I absolutely detest Max for the disgusting decision and continuing witch hunt on McLAREN especially when RENAULT get away scott-free [sorry for the dreadful pun!] for far more heinous transgressions.
However, I must return to my previous premise i.e. NOTW is a scurrillous muck rag and what they have said was the Nazi etc theme of MOSLEY's peccadillo is plainly false and will be seen to be.
It beggars me how many of you implicitly believe everything this paper has printed and perhaps it does show the power of the written word; "I have read it in the 'press' so it must be true."
Methinks you are allowing your distaste of max to over-ride your sound judgement and a little more objectivity is needed.
Such slease-ridden publications should be sued out of existence and I am betting and hoping they will cop a substantial damages judgement in favour of dear ole max.
And although many posts to this thread stated about four weeks ago poor max would be dethoned in mere days, I see he is still there!
As always, just my opinion. 8)
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It's not the incident itself that will eventually dethrone Max - and wouldn't be even if every single allegation in the paper was true - it is how Max has responded to other people's responses, and the extent to which other people's responses were altered according to what they thought of Max. Those signs suggest he will be forced out, though I stick with my original ETA of October 2009.
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We are not in a position to say whether or not there is any Nazi content. So far 90 secods of a 5 hour video have been made public. We have no idea what the rest of it contains.
As soon as Max threatened to sue The Times countless people suggested Murdoch would retaliate. It shows incredibly poor judgement on Max's part that he didn't see this coming and take action to stop himself being exposed like this.
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I don't care if he was prancing around with hookers dressed as clowns or with bunny ears - the Nazi theme is not even what I think will lead to his departure (I think it may have more likely been a 'jailhouse' theme as opposed to actual Nazi connotations). The fact that it made it to the internet/media, and that many people saw him with 5 hookers is what is scandalous. In his position, he really has/had no other option but to step down. If he wants to fight on and on and ridicule everyone else in the sport who is also appalled by the whole thing, then his ultimate punishment will be that much worse.
I personally don't care if he was caught shoplifting, speeding, drunken or whatever - if it is a way to depose the dictator he has become, then I'm pleased. I just want him gone and the sport to be governed by someone with more objectivity, not someone in 'bed' with half the sport and playing S&M games with the rest.
If the full video DOES contain Nazi connotations, as the NOTW maintains, then why don't they publish the more severe evidence (don't forget they've offerred to send the FIA congress the full 5 hour DVD to decide for themselves)? I don't think Max is going to get any judgement against the NOTW - but we will see.