Mosley’s latest attack is another desperate attempt to cling to power

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Mosley is trying to reignite fears of a breakaway FOTA championship

If Mosley was hoping his latest broadside against the F1 teams would goad FOTA into reviving their threat of a breakaway championship, it didn’t work. So he took matters into his own hands, writing to FIA members to warn them:

No doubt we face a difficult period. This may well result in short-term problems in Formula 1. It is possible that FOTA will set up an independent series.
Max Mosley

This is a desperate last throw of the dice which Mosley hopes will offer him a means of clinging onto his presidency.

The flaws and contradictions in Mosley’s latest stance were picked apart by F1 Fanatic readers (see yesterday’s comment thread for more).

FOTA hasn’t responded directly but their website contains a transcript of Wednesday’s press conference from which the contentious word “dictator” is conspicuously absent.

Other sources have quoted Luca di Montezemolo describing Mosley using the word, which is apparently one of his major objections, but that is besides the point. Mosley’s willingness to seize on the slightest perceived infraction to rip up the deal reached one Wednesday tells us two things:

One, he is not happy with the deal (and his claims he was planning to step down in October are, of course, nonsense). And two, he will do anything he can to undermine it.

What does stand out in the FOTA transcript is this remark from Toyota’s John Howett:

The federation is an independent body with its own constitution, and it will be their business who they elect as the future successor to their president.
John Howett

Mosley’s claim the manufacturers do not intend to respect this independence directly contradicts what Howett said:

Member clubs of the FIA from all over the world have made it clear that they will never allow the car industry to decide who may and who may not be president of the FIA.
Max Mosley

Claiming he must remain in office in order to resist a threat to the FIA is a typical Mosley tactic, one he returns to when his position is threatened. He resorted to similar claims about Formula One Group when striving to win a vote of confidence during the sadomasochism scandal last year.

Mosley’s over-reaction is beyond unreasonable. It is an utterly transparent attempt to cling to power on the flimsiest pretext.

He has fatally underestimated Luca di Montezemolo – and Mosley also failed to appreciate that his belligerent style has galvanised the teams into an unprecedented display of unity. Yet he is still trying to drive a wedge between them:

We have heard a lot from FOTA about an independent court of appeal. Yet during the controversy over the “double diffuser”, a manufacturer team repeatedly lobbied me (wholly improperly) to intervene with the FIA Court of Appeal and have the double diffuser declared illegal. The FIA Court would never listen to such an approach but it shows that for the team in question, “independent” means independent of the other teams and under the control of particular interests.
Max Mosley

Having cowed him into submission once, what makes Mosley think he can get a different result a second time?

Perhaps tellingly, FOTA and Bernie Ecclestone have not yet responded. The worst thing, for a man used to being feared, is to find himself ignored.

Read more: New Mosley threat over "dictator" claims puts FIA-FOTA deal in jeopardy

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Keith Collantine
Lifelong motor sport fan Keith set up RaceFans in 2005 - when it was originally called F1 Fanatic. Having previously worked as a motoring...

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159 comments on “Mosley’s latest attack is another desperate attempt to cling to power”

  1. In this case as much as I hate to do it I have to take MM’s side.
    After reading the article yesterday I emailed FOTA and told them Montezemolo’s comments were totalling inappropriate given FOTA’s clear win in the debate. There was nothing to be gained by rubbing Mosleuy’s nose in it and they have yet to deal with BE and these comments will not help.
    It was predictable that MM would react this way given he is a proud man who has, whether we like it or not done a lot for the sport and the industry. If we had what we have now in safety issues Senna would be alive and Villenueve would have lived to see his son race.
    If the deal goes south it will be because of Montezemolo. Maybe it is time he and Flav both left and went to play golf with Ron Dennis. If BE retired all these little kings would be out and calmer more rational heads could prevail.

    1. It was predictable that MM would react this way given he is a proud man

      Predictable, perhaps. Justifiable? Not in the slightest.

      If we had what we have now in safety issues Senna would be alive and Villenueve would have lived to see his son race.

      That’s a whole different debate, but you’ll have a hard time convincing me Mosley’s safety campaign was anything other than reactive following what happened to Senna, and without Senna’s death might not have happened at all.

      1. Oh couldn’t agree more Keith, as you well know.

        You been reading my email or something?

        Funny how that point has come about betwen us in a matter of days.

      2. Wouldn`t calling people “loonies” be seen as equally inappropriate?

        Bernie gave Prof. Sid Watkins the job of F1 medic around 30 years ago. Personally, I think he`s done as much, if not more, for safety in F1 than Max.
        Here`s an old but good article about Sid

        Much of Max` recognition is for the motoring side as you can see from his CV on the FIA site

        1. By any chance, does anyone have Prof. Sid Watkins pic to share?

      3. When the media, and many others condemned Mosley for his private life, was that justifiable? here we are asking a man to be reasonable….

      4. Yes, Keith, I think it was predictable and those guy who know Max for more than 20 years should anticipate his reaction. They should be a little more low profile on his triumph speech…

        I´m not at Mosley´s side, but when Luca says “no more dictatorship” we all know here how this could affect Mosley´s psyche…

        You could sort his reaction as senile or childish, but, yes, it was predictable and the FOTA´s guys should know that…

        1. Perhaps LDM might have been referring to FOTA’s new stance that they should be included in any decision being made concerning F1 and not a direct attack on Max.

        2. I´m not at Mosley´s side, but when Luca says “no more dictatorship” we all know here how this could affect Mosley´s psyche…

          I’ve been reading every transcription of FOTA’s declarations and I couldn’t found anyone of Luca di Montezemolo saying something near to that.

          Could somebody give me some link in wich I can read this kind of declaration from Luca, or at least some indications about when he told that?

          Thanks in advance.

      5. It was predictable that MM would react this way given he is a proud man

        Predictable, perhaps. Justifiable? Not in the slightest.

        Would you say Montezemolo’s comments are justifiable, even if they were true ?

    2. Forgive me, but IMHO it is Max and will be Max always, who wants this deal to go south. He went into WMSC meeting, saying we’ll contend in the election this October. He came out saying, since everything is OK and the deal was secured between FOTA and FIA, he will not be contending this October.

      Oh, please someone correct me, if I’m wrong. Doesn’t he know that the was secured last night with Bernie and Luca when he was going into WMSC meeting? He’ll always look for a way to get into power, in any scenario. Even if FOTA had not responded anything, he will find a reason from somewhere else.

      Even if Luca had delivered such a comment, I wouldn’t blame him for the deal going south. After all the insults and threats from Mosley, FOTA can say that. While the man you’re fighting plays foul with you, there is no point being fair to him.

      I’ll say the same point ‘Luca was wrong to make that statement’ but for different reason… He should’ve known Mosley’s politics (plan to cling to the power) and hence his reaction, after fighting him this long.

    3. You are probably the only 1 on MM side.

      1. wrong post spot..sorry

    4. Alex 3. You obviously have not been following things properly for the past several months let alone 15 years. It was not only Mosley who initiated those safety changes and regardless of the fact, what Mosley is getting now he has done to himself, simple and clear.

      And this is far beyond what you are thinking about. The issue here is governance of the FIA – which is corrupted by one man. Stability in technical and financial regulations are important to the teams and to the manufacturers. Teams have been trying to bargain with FIA in a very nice way over the several months period, but Mosley has a personal agenda of power. If we look at things only from a business perspective, a company such as Ferrari, Mercedes, Toyota, and other famous international automobile manufacturers that are involved in F1 are in NO WAY going to allow FIA to snoop into their financial dealings and financial transactions (which is what Mosleys 2010 regulations required). Additionally, monitoring and spying on the financial of these massive businesses is beyond the jurisdiction of the FIA! But Mosley kept insisting and that is how we got to this point. so STOP TALKING RUBBISH!

    5. and my dumb mind thought that this man can sink no lower!!!!!

  2. “Perhaps tellingly, FOTA and Bernie Ecclestone have not yet responded. The worst thing, for a man used to being feared, is to find himself ignored.”

    nice line Kieth… but he is not a man! do you think Max Mosley reads this blog, or at least he knows that there are places like this where fans are open for their views? :) I think, you should ask him to read this article (and earlier ones) and our comments (if not done already)

    Thanks for running this blog. In all this non-sense, it is actually good to see the comments from the real F1 fanatics.

  3. He will never let go. Somehow he just needs to be gotten rid of so we dont have to put up with his egotistical crap any more.

  4. Pedro Andrade
    26th June 2009, 21:16

    Excellent post Keith. One more point I’ll add to what you said:

    “The FIA Court would never listen to such an approach but it shows that for the team in question, “independent” means independent of the other teams and under the control of particular interests.”

    How come? Howett was speaking on behalf of FOTA, and since when is calling for a president that is independent from ANY of the teams unreasonable?

    Like I said in the previous post, I’m not sure if this guy’s mental health is ok. He looks completely unbalanced. He’s so off the mark that I’m not even sure what goal he is trying to accomplish.

    1. It is obvious that Mosley is not mentally normal. He has completely lost the touch of reality and life. He is just losing it completely because nothing he says and does anymore sounds even 0.1% logical.

      1. Well if MOsley not mentally normal, and i agree 100%, what does that say for the rest of the FIA and WMSC? Are they as bad as Mosley or just too afraid of him?

        1. Only possible answer is that they are not allowed to voice their opinion, keeping a blind eye. OR they are indeed brain washed and just as bad as Mosley. In which case there is no point in playing these ridiculous games with FIA, and FOTA need to seriously move on with a new championship. Its just like getting divorced, there is a bit of pain and sadness but you have to move on and eventually you will find something better. FOTa has made a grave mistake by signing any deals with FIA under the current circumstances.

          1. we seem to be on the same wavelength Maksutov, maybe we could have a more indepth chat about our views in email if you like, Mine is scunnyman38@yahoo.co.uk.

          2. That email thing goes for anyone who thinks we might be of the same or similar view

  5. Pedro Andrade
    26th June 2009, 21:24

    Montezemolo responds:

    http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/76559

    Nice, calm response to Mosley, without bickering, name-calling, and what I think is also important, no apology.

    1. HounslowBusGarage
      26th June 2009, 21:38

      Yes, I think it’s a good measured response. But this bit made me raise my eyebrows -“Maybe the possibility to have some teams or all the teams to run even a third car . . .”
      Luca knows there are thirteen two-car teams entered for twenty six places on the FIA Formula 1 grid next year. So what exactly is he describing? A thirty nine car grid, or something else completely different?
      I just don’t think this affair is settled yet, and in many ways it would not surprise me if FOTA are carrying on with preparations for an alternative series in secret, just in case . . .
      In their position, I know I would.

      1. The article is from a pre-arranged question & answer session with fans which was announced before Mosley lost his latest marbles.
        All the statements were made in reply to various questions which fans had asked. It wasn`t in any way a response to Max.

        1. HounslowBusGarage
          27th June 2009, 0:24

          A-ha! So he is describing a pre-ceasefire contingency is he?

          1. No, the questions wer taken from the fans until Friday when he then answered them.

            The only article I’ve seen whcih really deals with any sort of response was in The Times & that was more a non-response ;)

  6. What Max has finally realised (too late) is that as a unit, FOTA is a very potent force. He’s desperately holding on, but he knows (& we knows) he’s finally losing his grip.

    Perhaps, if we, the fans, took a similar attitude to FOTA, we could make a difference?

    http://www.formulaoneworld.com/f1wpress.html

  7. As far as Mosley goes its time for a change.

  8. OK, I haven’t followed all this mess in detail because this is a kind of politics that just makes me tired. Note that I do think F1 is (and should be) somewhat about politics – that is what in my opinion distinguish it from, say, US racing. It gives the whole thing a European flavor, filled with our tradition qnd diversity.
    But, is FIA all about Mosley? FIA is a rather large and prestigious organization. But is it so incredibly tamed that it’s only one voice (Mosley) that is allowed to speak? Do the whole of FIA think exactly the same as Mosley? I just find it odd. Surely, there must be parts of FIA that are fed up with the bad image he is giving the whole organization in the way he is making it his private war.

    1. I’m sure they don’t agree with him, but he beats them all into submission during extended S&M play, and that’s the way they like it.

    2. I absolutely agree with you and I am also asking those questions myself. What the hell is going on with FIA members.

      Apparently now Mosley is being urged (according to himself!?!?) to stand for re-election. I don’t see anyone else doing the talking except him. WTH?!?!?!? see below

      http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/76602

  9. If the FIA delegates can’t recognize the fatal damage Max is causing then it’s time for the teams, led by FOTA, to go off and do their own thing.

    1. Well Mosley has double crossed them now if FOTA has indeed signed the new agreement. Mosley therefore has the teams signed in, and additionally he is going to continue doing whatever he wants.

      I think this latest agreement was a big mistake and FOTA got screwed.

  10. The worst thing, for a man used to being feared, is to find himself ignored.

    Profound! And you’re totally right of course… the less Bernie and FOTA say now the better.

    1. Exactly. Say nothing unless absolutely necessary. On 1 November say anything you want.

  11. when will this bloke shut up and go away? he knows EVERYBODY hates him, he should just leave now. He’s been going on about his memiors lately… would anyone here actually read it?

  12. FIA MORE IMPORT THAN SPORT says Max Mosely or at least it sounds like it.

    By his own words:

    “We must continue to defend the independence of the FIA, even if this leads to difficulties in the sport.”

    It start sounds that people (specially teams) can not say what they think anymore. Max Mosley send letters to presidents of autosport associations and this text was there. He was uppset…again because somebody said that FIA need independent president.

    Max Mosley is out of order compelte. And saying that independent of FIA is more impport than sport tell something about his attitude.

    Is there anybody in FIA who loves autosport and kick that old maniac, senile Mosley???

  13. What I don’t like is that many (including this website) seem to think that FOTA (and Luca) is right.

    What I don’t like is the influence Ferrari have in FOTA (why is it always Ferrari who has to be in charge or have their way?) and that Luca is clearly wanting to exert his influence over F1 that I perceive to be far worse than Max could ever achieve.

    Luca is getting his FOTA bullies to surround the FIA – just like the bullies at school: “It’s my ball and if you don’t play by my rules then we won’t play.”

    Remember, Ferrari are not F1, they only race in F1. There is a difference. Non-Ferrari teams are not worthless.

    The FIA sould do what is in the interest of F1, not just automatically do what a bunch of manufacturers want – lead by Luca di Montezemolo. When the manufacturers eventually walk – and they will over the years, what happens then?

    I fear for the future if FOTA get more influence.

    1. Could it be that what you don`t like is Ferrari? ;)

    2. HounslowBusGarage
      27th June 2009, 0:36

      No, I understand GST’s concerns. Currently it seems that FOTA is being led by Ferrari’s Luca.
      If the FOTA breakaway happens or if the FIA make accommodation for the FOTA demands, how much will that be to the perculiar and individual advantage of Ferrari?
      The F-team will dominate any FOTA breakaway series as well as any compromise FIA series.
      Is that a good thing or will any F1 series be storing up future problems by the need to accomodate Ferrari?

      1. Ferrari may seem to be leading this but dont discount Howett and Toyota. Also remember that Mclaren has no love for the fia or Mosley, as they have been a constant target, justified or not.
        And yes Ferrari is F1. Mfg’s have come and gone, teams have come and gone the only 1 to stay thru the good and bad has been Ferrari, whether they were winning or not.
        I may not be a fan of ferrari but I do respect them for always being there. Even in the days when the were racing the endurance races such as Lemans and other 1000K races, their main focus was F1.
        They leave the sport will crumble and be irrelavent in 5 yrs.

      2. Sure, Ferrari may be leading FOTA. But as the team with the biggest influence, that is understandable.

        You must also remember though, that Ferrari arent the only ones in FOTA doing the talking. John Howett (Toyota) and Flavio seem to be quite influential in FOTA as well

      3. There had to be a Chairman & a strong Chairman who was capable of standing up to Max & Bernie.
        Di Montezemolo has known both men since the 70s. He is also a well-respected businessman with experience of heading Confundistria (Confederation of Italian Industry lobby), managed the team in charge of putting on Italia 1990 (World Cup) & has legal training. I can think of nobody better the teams could have chosen to front their case between Bernie (the businessman) & Max (the lawyer).
        The position he holds in FOTA will pass to someone else at the end of his one year tenure.
        FOTA is all the teams – not just Ferrari.

    3. @ GST
      You appear to be forgetting that Ferrari does not only have a strong influence in FOTA but also has the exclusive veto right in FIA rules decisions.

      So, in a way, Ferrari has been and still is more equal than any other of the equal F1 teams.

      Like others, I give them credit for always being in F1 and an integral part of the show no matter if you like them or not (“Can XXX beat Ferrari this year?” is always a nail-biter – for me at least)

      PS: Loved it when Force India got to race Ferrari in the back of the grid earlier this season ;-)

    4. God, I can not believe how some people in this world have a small mind.

      Ferrari appear to be leading FOTA because it just happens that Luca is the chairman of FOTA. But his voice represents that of the entire FOTA organization and its teams.

      If any of the teams within FOTA do not agree with FOTA than they could simply leave FOTA just like Williams did and Force India did. Therefore Luca represents the words of all of the 8 teams. The agree with each other unanimously.

      So please stop being so narrow minded and learn something look at the big picture.

  14. I dont know how many times Max has said he would step down and then change his mind, a total egotistical moron.

  15. maybe he’s just one of those strange people who need some sort of conflict in their life to feel satisfied. i feel kind of sorry for him.

    1. Stalin was also paranoid and very troubled in his later years. You feel sorry for him too?

    2. you could be right. Mosley enjoys media and loves to be in the spot light

      1. This is one reason, Maksutov, that i hate it when the bbc F1 presenters treat Max and Bernie like thet can do no wrong and they are the saviours of the sport, if not the world.
        I wonder if it’s the same with other F1 presenters around the world?
        Why can’t these people just grow some and ask the questions we, the fans want to have answers to.

        It’s the same with most journalists too.
        I know some are worried the FIA will revoke their F1 licences. But come on, how will we get to the real news instead of crppy team and FIA releases that have no substance.

        We fans have a right to know what is going on.

        1. good point scunnyman.

          Fortunately for us the truth can never be hidden away. BBC probably favors Mosley and Bernie because Mosley and Bernie probably own them with contractual rights, as well as Mosley has his rich friends to do his dirty work and maybe he has S _ _ slave experiences with the bbc boss haha.. but he certainly has lots of them in France. There is no justice with FIA and Mosley, it is all about power and corruption and rich friends. The only reason Mosley did not get sacked last year is because he owns everyone to some degree and has lots of rich friends, I believe same goes for rest of the FIA members and the FIA council, and the WMSC.

          1. Matsukov, i think the exact same thing.
            Scunnyman, I agree but i think Jake Humphrey is pretty direct with his questioning and seems to be representing the fans. Eddie Jordan is an idiot!

        2. Neracer i have to agree wholeheartedly about Eddie Jordan he must have a brown tongue and nose from his admiration of Max and Bernie.
          As for Jake he may be direct but he still needs to be more forcefull with questions. Do you think Martin Brundle pulls punches, remember he has gotten into trouble with FIA before.

          MAx and Bernie do NOt need their EGO’s boosting. They need to be brought to book and brought down a peg or two and realise what they are doing.

          That is if they realise at all from their Ivory Towers. I’m sure they don’t live in the real world, else they would know how the fans really feel about things such as ticket prices caused by their actions.

  16. I think Luca being a lawyer just like Max is, is part why he is the chairman… he knows what and how to say things ;)

    1. I think Luca being a lawyer just like Max is, is part why he is the chairman… he knows what and how to say things

      Notta da quiter so guda inna da English tho’

      1. Notta da quiter so guda inna da English tho’

        Isnt that what translaters are for? ;)

      2. It`s a shame there`s a no foreign language policy here because I have a hunch his English may be better than some peopl here`s Italian ;)

  17. I’d be interested to know which team it was that threatened to take its ball home because the FIA introduced the N-CAP test for road cars!?

    More to this than meets the eye,and certainly more to it than we mere mortals will ever know!

    1. VXR, we can only judge by what we see as fans of the sport that we love and that we have followed for the past 20+ years or more. So whatever picture you want to generate behind the reality of what is actually happening that is your problem.

      But the true reality of the situation is that a team is a team, and a manufacturing company is a manufacturing company and a business. So under no circumstance will a big company such as Mercedes or Ferrari allow a third party to snoop into their financial dealings and transactions, which is what the Mosley 2010 regulations required. Besides this issue, monitoring and ruling the financial status of these businesses is OUTSIDE OF THE JURISDICTION OF THE FIA. FIA does not have law and right to control what you do with your money. FIA is there to police the race and not anything else. But Mosley wanted more power, and since you are so so so blind to see what is actually happening here please go and think about it a little more, read about it a little more and learn something.

  18. And which team was it I wonder that tried to get the double-deck-diffuser banned by the back door method? hmmm…let me think.

    1. I`ve never known Max refer to Ferrari as “independent” so who do you think it was, VXR?

      1. I`ve never known Max refer to Ferrari as “independent” so who do you think it was, VXR?

        Like I said,I’d be interested to know.

        An “independent” team isn’t going to complain about N-CAP testing,and……

        Autosport quote.

        Mosley

        “We have heard a lot from FOTA about an independent court of appeal,” revealed Mosley. “Yet during the controversy over the “double diffuser”, a manufacturer team repeatedly lobbied me (wholly improperly) to intervene with the FIA Court of Appeal and have the double diffuser declared illegal.

        Perhaps we have more of an idea now.

        1. Mosley said one, unnamed, Formula One team had lobbied him “wholly improperly” to intervene with the FIA’s court of appeal earlier in the season to have the rear diffuser on the championship-leading Brawn cars declared illegal.

          “The FIA Court would never listen to such an approach but it shows that for the team in question “independent” means independent of the other teams and under the control of particular interests,” he said.

          From Reuters

          Seems it depends where you read your news?
          Whichever way it`s old news & is only being resurrected in attempt to make more trouble for F1.

        2. wow you are one Mosley lover arent you??,

          Now, before you ask who made deals to remove the double diffuser (which i actually perfectly agree with, since the rules were not clear in the first place) – perhaps you should ask “Who made the unclear rules” onto which the double diffuser issue was instigated in the first place!? Because the talk of the double diffuser started 3/4 through last year 2008, I remember it clearly, and soon after still in 2008, teams had asked for a CLEAR clarification of the rules which they never received. Number of the teams did not want to invest in something that could clearly be illegal. It was only after the start of 2009 championship that the legality of the double diffuser was determined and found to be legal. HAD THE TEAMS KNOWN THAT earlier, evidently they would have all invested in the development of that system.

          Once again Fault of the FIA and Mosley, found on the irregularities of the technical regulations. that is what this whole problem is about it is the governance of the sport and stability of technical regulations. If you think Mosley is your man, then summarize the word government for me please, what does it mean, and what is governance supposed to do?

  19. This is downright frustrating, we have a man that doesn’t care about what anybody thinks and that has the power needed to ignore everyone.

    1. i didn’t see bernie’s name mentioned…

  20. Bernie is keeping mum on this as he has way to much to loose in money and credibility.

  21. SORRY guys Max has gone mad.
    Take him to hospital

    1. Hear, hear.

      This springs to mind:
      “Have you ever tried going mad without power? It’s boring, no one listens.”

  22. At the next European race and any after for the rest of the season, as many fans as possible should start wearing T-shirts that demand the immediate removal of M.M. and B.E.
    I know its a bit extreme but there are thousands of fans, and the ‘suits’ need to realize that we are the ones that put money in their pockets and that they need us more than we need them.
    I’m sorry for sounding extreme but I have had to watch my favorite sport of Hockey blow up because of GREEDY suits and I don’t want to see the sport that i switched to too go down to for the same reasons!
    MM and BE have got to go, NOW!

  23. http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?id=46256

    If you read this link maybe you’ll agree with me when i say i can’t see how FOTA can possibly work with Mosley or the FIA. I would be surprised if they don’t go ahead with the breakaway now.

    1. I’ve given up any realistic hope for a fresh start and better series next year. However, a nice surprise would be very welcome :-).

      If FOTA is smart, they’d do all necessary preps behind the curtain and present their true intentions to public only once they have a clear plan, new governance and enough commercial commitments. So there is some chance that we still get a surprise.

      Most likely FOTA isn’t that smart …

      1. yes I agree, and also agree that FOTA isnt that smart. If they were, the would not have made any agreements with Mosley in the first place.

        But I believe that the FOTA teams may not all be in agreement about what needs to happen, and probably why they forced the issue to make some kind of a deal with the devil.

  24. Prisoner Monkeys
    27th June 2009, 8:27

    I don’t know why FOTA doesn’t just swallow their pride and offer an apology. Yes, it’s playing into Mosley’s hands, but the alternative is for them not to apologise and have another breakaway. It’s obvious Mosley isn’t happy with the terms of the deal and I’m guessing he wants to provoke them into another split, then come through an re-negotiate more favourable terms. But if FOTA bow and kiss his ring – even if they don’t mean it – we get around all that. Formula One is intact, Mosley rides the high until October and even if he announces hismelf as the savior of the sport, we’ll all now that FOTA only did it to stop him from ruining everything.

    1. Because the word ‘dictator’ was not used by di Montezemolo, perhaps?

      1. Prisoner Monkeys
        27th June 2009, 11:06

        That’s as may be, but bowing to Mosley’s whims now will save a bigger headache in the future than not bowing.

        Mosley’s a power-phile, and like all people who have power he seeks out more. So I say humour him now and throw him away later rather than lock horns with him and have him try to do something stupid later on that will jeopardise everything.

        What’s more important: the future of the sport or the pride of he teams?

    2. PM, there’s no point offering an apology. First, the indirect reference (there’s no dictator [now?]’) merely observes a truth: there isn’t one person dictating rules. Secondly, Mosley is acting irrationally. Even if he accepts this apology, he’ll find another problem. Everyone now knows this.

      Personally I liked FOTA’s ideas for their own series, though admittedly they were little more than a sketch. But despite Mosley being delusional, that doesn’t mean FOTA’s motives are squeaky clean. On the contrary, there’s every reason to suspect that a major concern of most of the teams/manufacturers was budget capping and specifically the possibility of their expenditure on F1 being examined by external accountants. Now they have a voluntary commitment to reduce expenditure to vague ‘early 90s levels,’ much less threatening. What else would push Ferrari to break what was a good, cosy deal between them and FIA?

    3. you think that is really going to help!?

      It does not work that way. If FOTA apologize and say whatever, Mosley will come back with something else, if the FOTA then kiss Mosleys ring again, after a few months Mosley will come up with something else. It could be also argued that with this latest deal Mosley has in fact outsmarted FOTA. How? – well he got them to sign didnt he, and now he can say and do whatever he wants and he will run for re-election and simply say that the FOTA did not keep their end of the deal.

      Mosley is just one sick man and a very very conniving manipulator.

  25. Me Myself and I
    27th June 2009, 10:30

    We closely following FIA / F1 / FOTA situation with much big interest of late.

    Many good players of game, many twists and feints.

    Much said to be posturing, only to make big bargain tool.

    Perhaps FOTA never posture, perhaps always dead serious.

    Perhaps FOTA better manipulator than Mr Max.

    We look now and laugh. Luca make insult, Max say may stay. Luca go on at press conference, soooooooo reasonable. Howett sooooooooo nice. Make nice compliments.

    We think Mr Max roll dice one too many times. FOTA can now say Mr Max in legal violation if he not step down as promise documented. FIA official press release tell about new agreement, say Mosley go bye-bye in October. FIA say so official.

    Mr Max no go, FOTA make new series. FIA / F1 / CVC not want that, no. FIA/F1/CVC make Mr Max go now, no choice.

    Or maybe FOTA really go new series. F1/CVC say to FIA, we no stay here, situation changed, you not have anymore what we make deal for. F1/CVC go talk, make nice with FOTA.

    We laugh. Luca crazy like fox. All Maranello sleep good tonight.

  26. FOTA hasn’t responded directly but their website contains a transcript of Wednesday’s press conference from which the contentious word “dictator” is conspicuously absent.

    Keith

    The “dictator” reference was made by Montezemolo in Paris on Wednesday.

    “The satisfaction is that all of our requests have been accepted,” the Ferrari president told Italian media.

    “To us three things were most important: that F1 stay F1 and not become F3; that there is no dictator but a choice of rules, agreed and not imposed; and that whoever had a team was consulted and had a voice.

    The transcript you refer to is of Thursday’s FOTA Press Conference in Bologna.

    1. Sorry, still learning this system. I hope this one comes out right!

      FOTA hasn’t responded directly but their website contains a transcript of Wednesday’s press conference from which the contentious word “dictator” is conspicuously absent.

      Keith

      The “dictator” reference was made by Montezemolo in Paris on Wednesday.

      “The satisfaction is that all of our requests have been accepted,” the Ferrari president told Italian media.

      “To us three things were most important: that F1 stay F1 and not become F3; that there is no dictator but a choice of rules, agreed and not imposed; and that whoever had a team was consulted and had a voice.

      The transcript you refer to is of Thursday’s FOTA Press Conference in Bologna.

  27. It’s at this point I finally fall fully behind FOTA. I thought it was over and I always thought that FOTA were playing nasty games as well as Mosley.

    But with this stunt, I can’t do anything but feel total animosity towards Mad Max and nail my colours to the FOTA flag.

  28. The thing that I don’t understand is how FOTA could in good conscience send Luca in to negotiate with Bern and Max all alone with no second(Howie) to verify that Luca hadn’t done some backdoor deal again(veto/extra $80mil). Before the meeting all FOTA seemed to be happy with starting new series. Howie was ecstatic. A couple hours later Luca comes out and all is well. Whole new face on FOTA. Something smells a little funny. On first inspection, yes FOTA won so Luca didn’t need to consult with other FOTA members. But Max says he won. What did Bern kick into the mix financially that everyone jumps onboard sooo instantly.

    1. Oh heck! Gooood point. And off goes another hare in this speculation race! Just when I thought we might be getting rid of political wheeling and dealing!

      Given Ferrari’s record, another behind-the-scenes deal is not inconceivable. But if that were the case I would expect that now Max is on the attack agin he would leak it like he did the previous deal.

    2. hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm……. as much as I love FOTA this new and fast deal with FIA/Mosley or whoever the f is in charge there, did indeed sound very fishy to me.

      FOTA should have sent Ross Brawn. I think he is the most intelligent person F1 has ever seen.

      this is very good point f1aroo

  29. Someone needs to call for a super extraordinary meeting (or whatever they call it!) of the FIA delegates, similar to when Max was endorsed after spankgate. Do it within a month. If the FIA delegates censure him and he doesn’t resign, then they can fire him. This can’t wait until October!

    If the FIA members endorse the old sod AGAIN, then FOTA would be well within reason to go off on their own series.

    As pointed out numerous times, Bernie would buy enough votes from FIA delegates to keep his financial interests above water.

    1. I agree 100% and it is beyond my understanding how this has not already been done.

  30. If we had what we have now in safety issues Senna would be alive and Villenueve would have lived to see his son race.

    If Max was the visionary he thinks he is, the safety changes would have been implemented BEFORE these icons of racing lost their lives. Any FIA president would have led the charge for safety changes AFTER the fact. (As an aside, Gilles would probably be mortified by the carrying on of Jacques, IMHO).

    Max has done, relatively speaking, nothing for the sport other than being in the right place at the right time. I maintain it’s now the wrong time for his miserable continuance and FOTA is the right group to do it.

  31. theRoswellite
    27th June 2009, 15:26

    Just a point to all those who question the motivations behind FOTA’s move toward an alternative series:

    FOTA would not exist except for the irrationality and inflexibility of the FIA as directed by Mr. Mosley.

    To assume that FOTA has some nefarious plans to undermind the future of F1 racing, under whatever name, begs further explanation.

    Please consider how much more interesting the series could be if the technical and racing rules were established by…EXPERTS!

    Experts who only benefit jointly if the racing…APPEALS TO THE FANS. They, FOTA, win if the racing is close, exciting (more passing), and AFFORDABLE.

    Just because open-wheel racing in the US failed after it split apart, it does not follow that F1 racing MUST fail after a separation from the FIA.

    F1 wins if they stay under the FIA’s direction, only if that direction is reasonable, equitable, and…DEMOCRATICALLY ADMINISTERED.

    1. Please consider how much more interesting the series could be if the technical and racing rules were established by…EXPERTS!

      For the most part the “experts” actually have the biggest say in the regulations.This is particularly so in light of Ferrari’s ‘technical veto’.

      It was the “experts” that actually drew up and worded the ‘diffuser’ regulation.The FIA merely agreed to it.

      The “experts” also agreed to a reduction of only 50% downforce for the new aero regs,and now many of the teams are already back to 80 or 90% of what they had last season!

      So before we get the “experts” in,think about what it is that the “experts” want.

      1. Me Myself and I
        27th June 2009, 16:40

        VXR, you talk about expert like it was a swear word.

        Difuser and aero regulations, as we understand, were from a working group, yes. Experts, yes.

        FIA appointed members of working groups, to study , why would not FIA accept findings of groups?

        We agree with what we think you mean…FOTA should not have all say, but we believe the teams actually competing in this series that requires a multi-million dollar investment every year be given a voice in the governance, in the rule-making…a voice, not control.

        And FOTA never demanded control, simply a voice. History repeats itself…a labor union is standing up for it’s members rights.

        We can only hope this receives the support it deserves.

        1. FIA appointed members of working groups, to study , why would not FIA accept findings of groups?

          It is no secret that Mosley wanted cuts in downforce down to 30% or less than the 2008 levels.The OWG decided otherwise,and what we see on the track today is their ‘baby’.

          Max has continually asked the teams to come up with suitable rules for F1,but they never seemed to find the time or to agree amongst themselves as to what they should be,always stuck in their own little world where refinement was better than innovation because refinement,if you spent enough money on it,would always guarantee success.

          1. Me Myself and I
            27th June 2009, 17:18

            FOTA did conduct a survey of fans, what they would like to see in F1. Fota used that, and some of their own ideas, in a presentation to FIA/Mr Max.

            Their suggestions were ignored by FIA and Mr Max.

            This was widely reported in the media, including here on F1Fanatic. This was several months ago.

            Perhaps you did not read these reports. If not, we encourage you to do.

        2. I suppose we have to bear in mind that some people`s enjoyment never extends beyond issues with one team/driver or another, MM & I.
          FOTA can do no right because it includes Ferrari, apparently

          1. FOTA can do no right because it includes Ferrari, apparently

            And the FIA can do no right because it includes Max Mosley,apparently,and FOM can do no right because it includes Bernie Ecclestone,apparently.

            There’s always someone or something,somewhere in whatever team or organisation that people will dislike.

          2. Actually I took Max` side when his private life was being dragged through the press. I said then that you don`t sack someone for what they do in their private life only when they aren`t doing their job properly. This issue is about his “job”.

            Both Max & Bernie have made F1 what it has been over the last decades & I give credit where credit is due but when a governing body demands teams are budget capped while simultaneously saying they have the right to change regulations at will (with all the inherent costs involved) then it becomes obvious to me that the rules are being used for political reasons not for the good of the sport & definitely not in an attempt to cut costs.

  32. They should update FOTA’s website. Williams and Force India logos are still there.

  33. HounslowBusGarage
    27th June 2009, 17:03

    Slightly off-topic, but I just read this para on James Aleen’s blogsite

    Incidentally, I asked yesterday [26 June] whether Ferrari still has the right of veto over rule changes and the answer is “yes”. The agreement is still in place. Ferrari had launched an arbitration in Lausanne to attempt to prove that the FIA had breached the agreement and so Ferrari were not bound by it. But now that the conditions have changed, they have stopped that arbitration and view the agreement as still being in place, which means they still have the veto right.

    Really? The veto still exists?
    I wonder how the rest of FOTA feel about that, and I wonder how Max would react if Luca tried to use it?

    1. don’t jinx us please )’=

    2. Ferrari tried to use it in May (see papers recently released by FIA) to try to stop the FIA putting through the 2010 regs without consulting the teams.
      The FIA`s lawyer, for various reaons, did not believe the veto still applied.

      Which begs the question, if the FIA believed the veto agreement no longer applied then would they not have been on sticky ground proving that the same agreement still held Ferrari to compete until 2012?
      That`s one for the lawyers not for me :)

      1. Ferrari tried to use it in May (see papers recently released by FIA) to try to stop the FIA putting through the 2010 regs without consulting the teams.
        The FIA`s lawyer, for various reaons, did not believe the veto still applied.

        Ferrari ‘failed’ to use their veto at the FIA meeting in ‘March’ when the regulations were put to the teams (they were actually there at the meeting,and had obviously fallen asleep or something).If Ferrari had used their veto ‘then’ none of this would be happening now.They then tried to use their veto when it was way too late.If you want to point a finger…………

        1. If I remember correctly, there was no vote, after the WMSC had taken a decision on Mclaren, Mosley simply announced his new dim witted vision for F1.

        2. Ferrari ‘failed’ to use their veto at the FIA meeting in ‘March’ when the regulations were put to the teams (they were actually there at the meeting,and had obviously fallen asleep or something).If Ferrari had used their veto ‘then’ none of this would be happening now.

          So now you are moaning that they didn`t use a veto that you have previously moaned about them having at all?

          1. So now you are moaning that they didn`t use a veto that you have previously moaned about them having at all?

            I’m not “moaning” that they didn’t use the veto,quite the opposite now in fact.I’m now even more pleased that they managed to retain that veto,and it shouldn’t be too long before you find out why.

  34. Is this a veto that only applies when used under FIA governance ?

    KAPOW!

  35. theRoswellite
    27th June 2009, 17:29

    ….VXR says: “So before we get the “experts” in,think about what it is that the “experts” want.”

    Experts have no crystal ball, but they do have “expertise” in the areas under consideration, technical regulations for example. This does not mean the eventual recommendations, being from a committee, always reflect the “best” choice, only the group choice.

    Assuming FOTA would eventually be made up of new and old teams, both from the front of the grid and the back, it would be reasonable to expect regulations which did not favor any one team, or any group of teams. If this was not the case then certainly changes and improvements would be in order.

    It seems unlikely they could cause the type of problems Mr. Mosley has been, chiefly, responsible for.

    1. It seems unlikely they could cause the type of problems Mr. Mosley has been, chiefly, responsible for.

      As I said in a previous post,Mosley gave the teams many opportunities to come up with their own regulations.When grooved tyres were introduced it was because the teams couldn’t agree amongst themselves a better way to reduce cornering speeds,and so the ‘default’ system was put in place.

      There are many excellent technical people within the FIA (who are not called Max Mosley) whose only consideration is that safety issues are addressed in a manner that does the job.If the teams are not willing to or find it difficult to agree upon another solution then you cannot blame the FIA (or specifically for some,Max Mosley) for that.

      1. & as so many have said to you before, FOTA gave the FIA its` ideas (what it called its`road map) on March 5.
        The FIA chose to ignore them & on 17 March published its` 2010 regs.

        1. The FIA chose to ignore them & on 17 March published its` 2010 regs.

          http://www.flagworld.com/news/?p=13593#more-13593

          Yeah I read that,and from a cost cutting point of view it’s rubbish!

          No wonder it was ignored!

          Interesting that there is no mention of ‘getting down to early nineties levels of spending’ in it or really much else to be honest.Reduction of GP distance was interesting!

        2. FOTA gave the FIA its` ideas (what it called its`road map) on March 5.

          They were actually presented to the FIA in early December 2008 at about the same time that Honda went ‘belly up’.Clearly at that point something a little more ‘radical’ was required.

          1. Strange that the survey from which they took the ideas wasn`t published until March then.

            Let`s leave it, eh? There is nothing I or, apparently, anyone else can say which will sway you if you want to believe otherwise.

            You want FOTA to fail, fine. That`s your privilege but you are in the tiny minority.

          2. OK I think I know what you`re on about now.
            Following Honda`s demise when Max went into his panic mode there was a meeting between the FIA & FOTA where several proposals were put forward &, yes, included, no refueling. I`ve even gone looking for more links for you ;)
            & FOTA`s statement of the same day
            FOTA followed it up with a meeting at Heathrow on 8 Jan where they came to further agreement.
            On the 30 Jan the FIA announced the Medal System which, it is said, Bernie had assured Max the teams all agreed to but, apparently, they didn`t.
            Then on 27 Feb the FIA announced
            “In view of the difficult economic conditions which continue to affect Formula One sponsors and major car manufacturers, the FIA is preparing radical proposals for 2010.

            If adopted by the World Motor Sport Council, the new regulations will enable a team to compete for a fraction of current budgets but nevertheless field cars which can match those of the established teams.

            These regulations will not affect the established teams which now have stable backing from the major car manufacturers, but will enable new teams to fill the existing vacancies on the grid for 2010 and make it less likely that any team will be forced to leave the Championship.

            The proposals will be submitted to the World Council on 17 March.”

            & we now know what those radical proposals were.
            I don`t think the statement that they would not affect the existing teams was quite honest. No, they didn`t have to abide by them but they`d be so penalised if they didn`t that they could never win. The budget cap.

          3. Honda didnt go belly up. They just walked away from the sport again…because they were getting their butts handed to them. They just used the economic situation as a excuse.

    2. Assuming FOTA would eventually be made up of new and old teams, both from the front of the grid and the back, it would be reasonable to expect regulations which did not favor any one team, or any group of teams.

      Good luck with that! Particularly as Ferrari seem to have kept their technical veto!

      1. Apart from Max using that his Donnely fried to harass the teams, I think he also gets him to troll the blogs. :-)

        1. LOL – Oliver, you`re brilliant. I should have worked that one out, shouldn`t I?

        2. Apart from Max using that his Donnely fried to harass the teams, I think he also gets him to troll the blogs.

          You have a different point of view and….

          Teams aren’t terribly happy with Donnelly,possibly claiming favouritism.Maybe his team will be the one that gets the ‘technical veto’ this time around.

          http://www.pitpass.com/fes_php/pitpass_news_item.php?fes_art_id=38311

          The teams are going to complain to the FIA about it,apparently

  36. I think FOTA should just go head down , tail up in getting the aspects of Formula 1 that they have influence over polished up and let Mr. Mosley say and do whatever he wants. This is based on my understanding that the WMSC voted to, and did, approve the agreement that was announced on Wednesday.
    They (FOTA) have a huge job ahead of them , sorting out the new regulations, reaching a compromise with FOM/ CVC relating to the way Formula 1 is marketed, promoted and accessed by the people that really matter most, the Formula 1 fan.
    I’ve not read anything specific that proves it, but I do get the impression that FOM/CVC had a huge wakeup call in this whole episode, and are willing to make compromises that will in fact benefit the sport , the fans , the race promoters and at the same time allow themselves to continue to cover their own obligations. Along this vein though, I personally would like to see an IPO put out that would enable Formula 1 to escape this huge burden that it is now encumbered with. It appears that Formula ! is a profitable venture, and should be entirely capable of being a worthwhile investment to those willing an able to invest. But I do feel that they , once formed should have no influence on the day to day running of the sport. That should be left to FOTA, FOM and the FIA. The FIA has interests that must be pursued in order to fulfill its mandate, and FOTA has its business of racing.
    I’ve also been thinking about what I would really like a Formula 1 race weekend to be like.
    Friday:
    morning. 3 hour practice. Any driver with the team can drive. . this would give test drivers time in the cars.
    afternoon. 3 hour practice. regular drivers only
    Saturday:
    morning. I hour practice, regular drivers only. 9:30- 10: 30
    afternoon Qualifying
    Qualifying: 3 sessions.
    First session:
    teams starting by lottery, 1in lap 2 qualifying laps on low fuel. Only one car on the track at a time. Next car out as soon as the previous car enters pit lane. If they’re not ready, they go to the end of the line.
    Second session: Cars start in order of first session results of first session. Same format as first session but cars fueled half full.
    Last session : Same as other sessions, but cars full fuel. then total the cumulative times and you have your grid.
    Sunday: Morning. support races.
    Early afternoon. support race.
    3:00. Formula 1 race
    I think this would eliminate blocking complaints entirely and give the fans a great day at the races.
    It would reduce the need for support races , which in my opinion, are just something in the way of what I came to see. I like the way Indy cars run qualifying for the 500 with only one car on the track at a time, so there are no excuses, it’s just run what you brung, and give it your best shot.
    This is just what I’d like to see , but I understand it probably is not in the least way feasible, with the limited engines per year rule, but they could increase the number of engines by one or two.
    It would give the race attendee more opportunity to see the cars at there best and a full day of excitement. IMHO. Or not.
    Barry

  37. This is a man(mosley) who is in need of proper physical beating, or may be 10 strokes of the the cain.

    1. lol I agree 100%, even though it sounds cruel I must say I would rather enjoy watching him be beaten up good, and hospitalized for ever.

      But seriously, if he continues like this, some obnoxious person out there will put a bullet in his head. I would be careful if I was him.

  38. Bigbadderboom
    28th June 2009, 0:39

    Although in disagreement, I always had a basic respect for Max, I have always sided with FOTA (as anybody with F1 interests would) but respected Max for his opinions, now he has just become a figure of ridicule, his attempts to retain power at the helm of the FIA are transparent. Just give it up Max and retain whatever amount of sef-respect you may still hold.

    1. I have always sided with FOTA (as anybody with F1 interests would)

      Why so ?

      It wasn’t too long ago that anyone with “F1 interests” wanted a ‘breakaway’ series.

      Yes,I agree that Max has probably gone too far with this now.Although,interestingly,Luca has apparently written a letter to him now.LOL

  39. Max is such a baby. Did he apologized when he called FOTA “loonies?” I don’t think so.

  40. Here’s a link to a 4 minute BBC video of Max at the Press Conference announcing “Peace In Our Time” with Bernie and Luca in Paris on Wednesday the 24th. Interestingly, it was Max himself who said that the settlement would allow him to “step back from F1 over the summer” and that should any unhoped for difficulties arise in F1 “the FIA has mechanisms already in place, such as the Senate, to deal with them”.

    Here also is a shorter clip of Luca speaking after Max at Press Conference

    It was when speaking to reporters alone after this Press Conference that Luca made the now infamous “dictator” reference.

    Speaking to the Italian media after today’s breakthrough agreement, FOTA and Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo took quite a strong line on the man sitting on the opposite side of the negotiating table from him these last few months,

    “The satisfaction is that all of our requests have been accepted, ” said Montezemolo. “To us three things were most important; that F1 stay F1 and not become F3, that there is no dictator, but that there was a choice of rules, agreed and not imposed; and that whoever had a team was consulted and had a voice. Mosley has announced that in October he will stand down, with an irrevocable decision, and that from now on he won’t get involved in F1.

    “Now finally we have stability of the regulations until 2013. I want to thank all our fans, because the public had had enough of these changes. Let’s hope that next year, with the rules finally stabilised, we will see also a winning Ferrari. Could Mosley change his mind? He can, yes, but we won’t. What has been fundamental is the unity of the teams, of the manufacturers. Ecclestone said that he fed FOTA’s cards to his dogs, Mosley said that he didn’t know what FOTA was, today it seems to me that both of them have something different to say.”

    1. I still don’t have the hang of this thing :)
      Here are the links again,I Hope:

      Max

      Luca

    2. “Let’s hope that next year,with the rules finally stabilised,we will also see a winning Ferrari”

      You can start spending now Luca.;)

      Obviously Luca is much ‘looser’ with his tongue when speaking to his own ‘countrymen’.

  41. You can’t feel sorry for Max Mosley. Yet the void he will leave when his reign ends will surely be filled as quickly as it is filled.
    With Mosley consigned to history in just a few more months, the multi million dollar question should be who will replace the Englishman?
    I am not surprised to have seen Luca DeMontezemolo play such an important part in Mosley’s downfall, and one
    seriously has to consider his reasons for this? Obviously he wants Ferrari to remain in Formula One, and for the Scuderia to remain successful, but he also wants to dictate, possibly, the future internal politics of Formula One.
    One of the much written aspects of Ferrari’s success over the years has been the team’s ability of forming a good working relationship with the sport’s governing body. They have excelled in this field, unlike their main rival McLaren, and have without a doubt benefitted from this.
    When former team principal Jean Todt left Ferrari back in 2006, many pundits suggested that maybe the notoriously ruthless Frenchman would one day find himself behind Mosley’s former desk. As head of the FIA!
    I have to admit, when seeing Montezemolo flex his
    political muscles in recent months, my mind is cast back three years to the end of Todt’s reign, the end of Michael Schumacher’s career.
    A man as successful and as lauded as Todt surely must make a prime candidate for the new FIA presidency. He would also make the perfect choice for Ferrari, and
    Montezemolo, as having one of their own in charge.
    How ironic this would be for the other teams, if from nowhere, Jean Todt emerged as the new FIA president. This should be the focus now, not Mosley!

    1. How ironic this would be for the other teams, if from nowhere, Jean Todt emerged as the new FIA president. This should be the focus now, not Mosley!

      Actually Todt gets on rather well with Mosley,and would himself like him to become President.Go figure! LOL

    2. Todt was once Max` choice for successor but across recent years Tony Purnell has become almost a Max clone. He looks to grooming himself to be heir apparent.

      There is no real need to have a President who has had anything to do with F1. There are all the other series & the motoring side to chose from.
      In fact, a Prsident who relied more on advice & less on his own personal bigotries would be much better. A good boss knows how to delegate & take his experts` advice.
      Now that would be a novel approach for an FIA President ;)

  42. What I can’t understand is how thick some fans can be to go against Ferrari at all costs. To side with a lost case such as Max and to infer that this was a Ferrari scam takes the limit. All FOTA members decided (except Williams) to keep their stance…not Ferrari but all. I am sure that just because Luca is the current FOTA president the others are going to sit there and listen. Clearly Flavio and John will have no such nonsense.
    And just in case anyone wonders why Williams has to joint the Max FIA F1 here is the proof:

    http://www.f1wolf.com/2008/10/what-is-the-difference-between-gp2-and-formula-2.html

    Guess who provides all chassis for for all F2 teams …. who else! As the English say
    “I rub your back and you rub mine”

    1. It`s been hammered into the Brits for years that Ferrari are tantamount to the Devil in F1, sasbus.
      If people can believe that every other team boss is stupid enough to be conned by Ferrari into some sort of trick which only suits Maranello`s ends then it says very little for their opinion of any of the other teams` intelligence.

  43. “I am under pressure now from all over the world to stand for re-election.” – M. Mosley
    –my God, he’s living in another world.
    And if FIA president is that much involved in F1 I don’t see any reason why F1 teams should not voice their opinions about what kind of leader FIA needs – what team principals have done and what angered Mosley so much. Everybody can say what they think, dont they?

  44. Pedro Andrade
    28th June 2009, 12:25

    Mosley ‘urged’ to stand for re-election

    “I do genuinely want to stop. But if there is going to be a big conflict with the car industry, for example, with the FOTA teams, then I won’t stop. I will do whatever I have to do. It’s not in my nature to walk away from a fight.”

    Typical. Paints himself as the nice guy, before going back on his word. Is the breakaway threat really re-emerging?

    1. FOTA’s not saying anything. They may just decide to keep quiet until they’re ready to do it. And they may also be trying to invite Williams, FIF1, and the 3 new teams to join them.

    2. Is the breakaway threat really re-emerging?

      No.Disappointing isn’t it.LOL

      The WMSC voted through the agreement on Wednesday,so it’s pretty much set in stone.All we’ve had since then is Max reaffirming his position as FIA President.

      But don’t take my word for it.

      Meanwhile there has been some speculation that this change of heart by Mosley may lead to the breakaway being back on, but I think we should be cautious before reaching that conclusion. Firstly I don’t detect that FOTA is too concerned with today’s developments; they are pressing ahead with shaping the 2010 rules and know that Mosley is leaving office in October. The agreement achieved on Wednesday has been voted through by the world council in any case. They see this as MM trying to create artificial tension, while arguing that the FIA needs a ’strong’ president who is experienced in F1 – ie Jean Todt. I get the impression that not even Ferrari want him to be the president. But as Mosley points out, FOTA has no say in that vote.

      Courtesy of James Allen’s blog.

  45. So now Mosley is claiming that people all over the world want him to stand for re-election although he personally doesn’t want to. He then goes onto say that no one in the motorsport world takes di Montezemolo seriously, if that is the case why is Mosley getting so worked up about what di Montezemolo is alleged to have said.

    His current argument seems to be that if the people have the impression that he has been forced from office he will stay on too prove them otherwise.

    http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/76602

    I had started to think that he actually wouldn’t stand for re-election and instead he would try to get his choice of candidate elected and then use his influence together with the time he still has in office and his place on the FIA senate when after October to still try and ruin F1, (that was supposed to say run F1 but I thought I would keep the typo).

    1. lol, yes this last statement by Mosley really is just unbelievable. He is doing the talking now for the whole world lol lol lol…. The whole world wants me to run for re-election but im thinking about it hahahahahaha…

      Basically FOTA could have easily made a mistake by signing the latest agreement. It could be argued that Mosley has double crossed FOTA. He got FOTA teams to sign for 2010, and now he can do whatever he wants by insisting that FOTA did not live up to their end of the bargain. The dumb Concorde agreement will stay but Mosley will run for re-election anyway. And since he is the only voice FIA ever has, it is safe to say that he will put himself back in presidency. simple and effective.

      1. Pedro Andrade
        28th June 2009, 14:28

        I’ve thought about it as well, but I figure FOTA wouldn’t have signed an agreement without a clause stating Max has to go in order for them to come back to F1.

        1. But if FOTA decide to wait and see what Mosley is going to do, by then it may be too late to organize a new championship. That is where can catch them.

          1. Pedro Andrade
            28th June 2009, 16:15

            True. I’d normally consider it to be a conspiracy theory, but in these days, with these people, you never know.

    2. “However, I do not want to leave the president’s office in a way where it was suggested that people from the car industry had pushed me out. If that impression is not completely dispelled, the clubs are going to insist that I stand again.”

      well done Mosley, thanks for reminding the clubs what you’ve told them during WMSC. How on earth, he thinks people are in need of him? If the clubs he speaks about, still does so… they don’t know how to solve a problem. Mosley shows much of his interest these days on the F1 problem with FOTA which he calls trivial, and he also suggests car industry is not just automotive world, when did it came to car-industry from a sport (F1)? Either WMSC should urge him to ignore/put an end to this problem (instead of unnecessarily digging on a closed deal), or should should ask him to step down and elect someone else who can better the relationships. If they are not doing so, FIA is nothing but a bunch of baboons who gets provoked by simple indirect suggestions and are completely behind power and not welfare of the sport.

  46. You want FOTA to fail, fine. That`s your privilege but you are in the tiny minority.

    I have no wish for FOTA or any other organisation that keeps F1 together to “fail”.

    What was more worrying not too long ago was the ‘ passion’ of some that wanted ‘F1’ to fail!

    But there again,that’s ‘their’ privilege,and they were in the majority!

    1. Nobody wants F1 to fail, everybody wants Mosley to be gone, or for a new championship to be created.

    2. I think that you are misinterpreting the “passion” shown by many. No one want either FOTA or the FIA to fail. As Di Montezemolo put it F1 should be managed by through three organisations, FOTA, FIA and the Commercial Rights holder. For anyone of them to side step – for personal interests – would be plain wrong. That is how most fans have perceived Mosley’s position at the moment.

    3. NObody ever wanted F1 to fail as you put it VXR. BUt people with passion wanted an F1 or F1 style racing series to be run fairly and clearly. Which i’m afraid will never be the case with Max Mosley and other members of FIA/WMSC involved.

      And as for the “not too long ago” bit, what makes you think that has changed. I’m sure those passionate fans are still there and wanting what they wanted before, be it F1 or some breakaway series.

      For me i see that a breakaway was either never on the cards or is not in the near future.

      And i believe that we fans are going to have to suffer the worst of F1 for the next 3 yrs at least

  47. I have noted elsewhere that as long as Max endures in the post of FIA president Luca and Flabio will be the new targets Of Max’s attentions. With Ron no longer available for his abusive comments they are next.

    From the Autosport article previously noted by PJA:

    “I don’t really expect Luca will apologise or withdraw in the way that he should,” Mosley told the newspaper. “Yet, on the other hand, within the motorsport world nobody takes him seriously. He’s seen as what the Italians call a ‘bella figura’.

    “He’s chairman of Fiat but the serious individual who runs it is Sergio Marchionne, and I don’t suppose he takes much notice of Luca.”

    The game continues. I recall reading a quote somewhere from Luca that FOTA had a way of keeping Max from running again. Luca, time to step up and play that card, or hit man, whatever. Unless silence is the strategy? Lord, I hope they have more than that!

    1. I recall reading a quote somewhere from Luca that FOTA had a way of keeping Max from running again. Luca, time to step up and play that card, or hit man, whatever. Unless silence is the strategy? Lord, I hope they have more than that!

      lol I hope so too. But still it seems somewhat premature for FOTA to have come to a deal with Mosley so soon in the first place.

      When I heard the news I was not impressed with such quick FOTA move.

    2. Here is a link to the full Mosley interview

      MailOnline Mosley Interview

      One line from it stands out:

      ‘It must be maddening for Bernie,’ said Mosley. ‘He’s a serious businessman with a serious business to run. Obviously, from his point of view, if he was given a choice between his business and an old friend, he’d choose his business.

      I think the card has already been played!

      1. I think the card has already been played!

        Di Montezemolo said:

        Ecclestone said he fed FOTA’s cards to his dogs;

        If he wants to play ‘poker’ with Bernie….

        1. Bernie may have fed the fota cards to his dog but Bernie may not find himself in as strong a position. If Bernie cant get a muzzle on Max, and Fota decides that the agreement is null after Max’s tirades, then Bernie is going to be left holding the rights to nothing and CVC is going to be out a lot of money. In the corporate world this will not spell out good for Bernie.
          Bernie cannot afford the illusion that he is 100% in control now and he must come up with a way to fix this problem.
          But as previously stated Fota needs the removal of Max,Bernie,and the Fia restructured were it isnt full of Max’s cronies.

  48. Until Max opened his mouth again, I was truly glad the F1 polemics had come to an end… Now? I do not give a rats ass what happens to F1… It had become a minefield of Egos and which triple layer diffuser is most effective in the mouths of those who cannot just leave it alone and GO RACING!!!!!!! That is after all what F1 is supposed to be, a racing series, the toop series in the world, instead we have had to listen to these gigantic egos spew forth the most unimportant drivel while the worl hangs on their every word… Well, I quit.. After being an F1 fan since 1955, I throw in the towel… No more Bernie, no more Max, no more indignant crap from people who should know better… Max, go back to screwing your Nazi whores, you are good at that, and leave the rest of the world alone…

    1. Until Max opened his mouth again,

      I think that it should be pointed out that Luca managed to beat Max to that particular bodily function by several hours.

      Max, go back to screwing your Nazi whores, you are good at that, and leave the rest of the world alone…

      He was about to do that until……..

  49. This is ridiculous, I only went away for the weekend. I left and all was well and I come back and find that Mosely is ruining it because he was labelled a dictator, which he is. The fact that he saw fit to go back on the deal immediately, giving F1 yet more ridiculous press, proves that. I really do hate that pathetic slimy b******.

  50. Also, saying ‘no more dictatorship’ isn’t necessarily an attack on Mosely (although he IS a dictator), more a statement on how decisions in F1 are made without proper consultation of the teams.

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