Max Mosley, the president of the FIA, will not stand for election again. It is official. How do we know that? Because his old friend, Bernie Ecclestone, the Formula One promoter, is absolutely sure of it.
Ecclestone offered this reassurance to those who fear that Mosley could yet split Formula One by trying to stay in office for a fifth term as president of the world governing body. “I have no doubt in my mind, as long as I’ve known Max, he’s always done what he said he would do,” Ecclestone said in an upstairs office in one of his motorhomes.
“He’s an honourable person. I’ve always said Max can have a cheque signed by me, without any name or amount on it, because he’s a trustworthy guy. So I have no doubt that he will honour all the things he’s ever said he will do.”
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Ecclestone, though, is sure we can relax. “He said his options are open but he didn’t say what they were going to be, did he?” he said. And he offered an explanation for Mosley’s latest apparent attack of indecision about his future. “He was a bit upset after agreements had been made [with Luca Di Montezemolo, the president of Ferrari] to be quiet and not throw stones at each other, and then remarks were made which upset him,” he said. Times Online
FOTA have given Bernie Ecclestone and CVC Capital Partners, the holders of the sport’s commercial rights, until this weekend to indicate their willingness to go along with their proposed breakaway grand prix championship, unless things can be sorted out for all three parties to agree a lasting peace with the FIA. FOTA do not want to wait any longer to start up their series, if talks with the FIA remain at their current impasse.
Meanwhile, former rally champion Ari Vatanen confirmed his intention to challenge Mosley for the FIA presidency in October. Independent
“Responding to requests from many FIA member clubs, I shall stand for the presidential elections of the FIA in October this year,” said a statement.
“I think the time has come for a change,” said the 57-year-old Finn.
Vatanen could oppose current FIA president Max Mosley if the Englishman seeks re-election for a fifth time.
“My main focus is to reconcile views within the FIA and bring transparency to its stakeholders. The duty of the President is to defend a billion automobilists and also this great sport of ours.” continued Vatanen.
Vatanen floated the idea of going for the presidency last month and has spent the time since consulting the FIA member clubs.
“I am already seeing positive feedback”, he said in June, “I would go for it, even if I was not sure of winning.” BBC Sport
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