A15926571212691731A - Ferrari boss makes Mosley U-turn

Ferrari boss makes Mosley U-turn

Ferrari chief Luca di Montezemolo has retracted comments he made on Wednesday calling for Max Mosley to resign.

Lurid revelations into Mosley's private life were published in the News of the World at the end of March, but he won a vote of confidence in his presidency of the FIA on Tuesday by a 61% vote in his favour which prompted outrage from some member associations.

Ferrari president and Fiat chairman di Montezemelo was the first high-profile figure from a Formula One team to voice similar sentiments since the vote, but in a statement issued by the Ferrari team on Thursday he said: "I am happy that Max Mosley has been confirmed as president of the FIA. He has done an excellent job for Formula One in recent years."

He added: "With regard to the future, it will be entirely up to him to decide if and when he should take a step back."

Toyota had been one of four F1 manufacturers, rather than teams, to speak out against Mosley before the vote along with Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Honda but a statement issued on Thursday indicated they were now willing to draw a line under the affair.

"Toyota Motorsport acknowledge the result of the extraordinary general assembly and accepts the decision taken," the statement read.

"Now that the FIA membership have expressed their view we hope that motorsport is able to conduct its activities unhindered by scandal, controversy and negative publicity.

"We also acknowledge and understand the position of the major touring clubs, of which many of our customers are members."

Red Bull driver Mark Webber was the lone driver in the pit lane to criticise Mosley, saying the 68-year-old Englishman had brought the sport into disrepute, and while he stood by his initial comments he indicated he was prepared to accept the FIA vote results.

Webber explained: "We knew it would go the June 3 vote and they obviously think he's the best man for the job. He got the votes he needed."


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