The Max Mosley affair had dominated conversation ever since his colourful and controversial role in Sunday’s News of the World. Once the Storm Force 10 created by allegations over his extra-curricular conduct had reduced to a mere Gale Force 8, the next question concerned the FIA president’s future.
The answer was not long in coming this morning.
The F1 world had been maintaining the usual awkward silence, interrupted only by sound of shuffling for a more comfortable position on the fence. In fact, the teams – particularly those of German extraction and therefore most affected by the NoW’s allegation that Mosley’s activities could be interpreted as having an association with Nazism – had been waiting to see if the president would take the honourable course and resign.
When, predictably, the proud patrician failed to do so, BMW and Mercedes-Benz were the first to make a statement abhorring his behaviour. Toyota and Honda quickly followed, the latter asking the FIA what they intended to do about their president. Top Gear
Three statements on Mosley issued this morning
Honda
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.
Toyota
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.
Joint statement from BMW and Mercedes-Benz / Gemeinsames Statement von BMW und Mercedes-Benz
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.
3 April 2008
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