Max threatens U-turn unless FOTA apologise

Friday 26th June 2009

Max Mosley has cast fresh doubt on his future as president of the FIA after issuing an angry letter to Luca di Montezemolo, accusing the Ferrari president of making "false statements."

After reaching an agreement with the Formula One Teams' Association chairman Di Montezemolo on Wednesday on the future of the sport, Mosley confirmed he would not stand for re-election beyond his current mandate which expires in October.

However, the 69-year-old clearly feels let down by remarks made by Di Montezemolo after the announcement of the peace pact, to such an extent he has decided to leave his "options open."

In a strongly-worded letter, a copy of which has been seen by PA Sport, Mosley said: "We made a deal yesterday (Wednesday) in Paris to end the recent difficulties in Formula One.

"A fundamental part of this was that we would both present a positive and truthful account to the media.

"I was therefore astonished to learn that FOTA has been briefing the press that Mr (Michel) Boeri (president of the FIA Senate) has taken charge of Formula One, something which you know is completely untrue; that I had been forced out of office, also false; and, apparently, that I would have no role in the FIA after October, something which is plain nonsense, if only because of the FIA statutes.

"Furthermore, you have suggested to the media I was a 'dictator', an accusation which is grossly insulting to the 26 members of the World Motor Sport Council who have discussed and voted all the rules and procedures of Formula One since the 1980s, not to mention the representatives of the FIA's 122 countries who have democratically endorsed everything I and my World Motor Sport Council colleagues have done during the last 18 years."

Mosley added: "There was no need for me to involve myself further in Formula One once we had a settlement.

"Equally, I had a long-standing plan not to seek re-election in October. It was therefore possible for me to confirm both points to you yesterday.

"Given your and FOTA's deliberate attempt to mislead the media, I now consider my options open.

"At least until October, I am president of the FIA with the full authority of that office.

"After that it is the FIA member clubs, not you or FOTA, who will decide on the future leadership of the FIA."

In his letter, issued to Di Montezemolo prior to a FOTA press conference earlier on Thursday at Bologna airport, Mosley calls upon the 61-year-old Italian to issue an apology, and correct any inaccurate comments.

Mosley added: "If you wish the agreement we made to have any chance of survival, you and FOTA must immediately rectify your actions.

"You must correct the false statements which have been made and make no further such statements.

"You yourself must issue a suitable correction and apology at your press conference this afternoon."

Although Di Montezemolo failed to issue such an apology, he was at least full of praise for Mosley's work during his time in office.

Di Montezemolo commented: "I have to say that after a month of confrontations, we are pleased to thank the president of the FIA for his decision to leave the FIA in October, for the work that he has done - particularly for safety because this was, and still is, a big priority in Formula One and the sport.

"Formula One has made a huge, huge improvement in safety.

"We want to thank the FIA and the World Council for the unanimous agreement (on Wednesday) to approve and accept FOTA's proposals."

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