Mosley Questions New Deal Over Fota’s Criticism
In the wake of the compromise deal over the future of the sport, the Formula One Teams Association’s open criticism of the reign of Max Mosley has led to the president of world motorsport governing body the FIA questioning the security of the new arrangement.
FOTA has openly stated its desire to find a neutral figure to replace Mosley as FIA president after he agreed not to stand for re-election when his term expires in October as part of a peace deal to end FOTA’s threat of a breakaway championship.
Mosley has since reacted angrily, accusing FOTA of misleading the media following the agreement to end the sport’s civil war.
In the letter, written to Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo, the chairman of FOTA, Mosley accused the representative body of falsely stating he had behaved like a dictator and that he had been forced from office.
He also hinted that he might reconsider the deal that secured an end to the political row in the sport which included his abandonment of his plans for a cost cap but secured the commitment of the teams to F1 until 2010 and agreed not to stand again for the FIA presidency in October.
He said: ‘If you wish the agreement we made to have any chance of survival, you must rectify your actions. A fundamental part of the deal 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 F1, 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 [which grant former presidents a place on the senate].
‘There was no need for me to involve myself further in Formula 1 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.’
Speaking about Mosley’s potential replacement, John Howett, the vice-president of FOTA had said: ‘We would like someone independent from any of us. Either currently or historically. It would mean a much better balance.’
Representatives of FOTA’s eight members – all the current F1 teams on the grid with the exception of Force India and Williams – oppose what they see as Mosley’s arbitrary style of governance, will play no part in deciding his successor.
That responsibility falls to the World Motorsport Council, who will elect a candidate of their choosing.
Michel Boeri, president of the Automobile Club de Monaco, former Ferrari team principal Jean Todt, former rally driver Ari Vatanen and chief steward Alan Donnelley, who is also Mosley’s representative, have all been mentioned in connection with the role.
The agreement between the FIA and Fota also saw Mosley’s controversial plan to introduce a £40m budget cap for 2010 shelved.
Instead, the teams will work to their own agreed cost-cutting measures with a view to reducing spending to early 1990s’ levels.
A new deal to settle teams’ share of commercial rights has yet to be signed with holder CVC, represented by Bernie Ecclestone, but Flavio Briatore has already been given the task of overseeing the commercial development of the sport.
The Renault team principal wants to improve the spectacle of F1 and push for a return to its traditional circuits.
‘Even if the likes of Turkey are paying more money, we would rather have stadia that are full,’ Briatore said.
‘It is better for the spirit of the sport. We want stands full of fans. There is no point spending all that money on an empty cathedral. We want to work for a better show, better entertainment.’
