F1 figureheads say Mosley is damaging motorsport's image
Sunday, 13 Apr 2008 15:33
Leading figures in F1 think Mosley should quit for the good of the sport
Leading figures within Formula One say Max Mosley's determination to stay on as president of the FIA is damaging motorsport's reputation.
Mosley has been embroiled in a fight to keep his job at the helm of the International Automobile Federation (FIA) after revelations about his involvement in an orgy which had "Nazi connotations".
The 67-year-old has admitted that the pictures, first shown in the News of the World, are him but has strongly denied allegations any of the acts had "Nazi connotations".
He will face an FIA vote of confidence at an EGM in June, however Mosley argues he should be allowed to stay on as he believes his private life does not affect his ability to do his job.
But Leading figures within motorsport feel that his continued presence as FIA president is damaging its reputation.
Former Formula One world champion, and current British Racing Drivers' Club president, Damon Hill says Mosley's position has become untenable.
He told the News of the World: "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.
"It's a practical issue, but it's also a marketing issue. Businesses connected with the sport want a positive image, and politicians want to engage with it because they know motorsport people support those values."
Mike Gascoyne, technical director of Force India, agrees with Hill and says the sport can not cope with another summer of bad publicity following the 'spygate' scandal of last year.
He told the paper: "It paints the whole of motorsport in a very bad light and someone in that position has to be honourable and consider their position.
"The scandal is like last year's 'spygate' affair. It’s not painting a positive image for the sport."
With the vote on Mosley's future not until June 3rd he will remain in charge of the FIA during the Spanish, Turkish and Monaco grand prix.