First official statement by Mosley

Max Mosley stated to a British newspaper this Sunday that he intended to stay in place and fight the gossip despite multiple calls urging him to resign from his position as FIA president.

The 68-year-old Englishman decided to give his first interview since the scandal broke due to the negative publicity generated by his alleged sexual activities with five prostitutes.

Mosley reaffirmed that he will not leave his position of his own accord because at least 70% of automobile club presidents want to see him continue his mission.

“I have received letters from club presidents saying ‘I think you should resign’ or ‘I think you should reconsider your position’. Others tell me ‘you absolutely must stay, don’t flinch a millimeter'” he commented.

The people who criticized him are most often those who are against eccentric sexual activities.

« But most people like this eccentricity when it doesn’t harm anyone. »

The FIA assembly, composed of 222 members, will vote on June 3 to determine if Mosley can remain president of the world automobile organization.

« That’s the question they must ask themselves, » he stated to the Sunday Telegraph.

Whatever may happen on June 3rd, Mosley insists that a possible re-election in 2009 was never his objective.

« I would never have gone beyond 2009, » he said, explaining that working efficiently at the age of 73 would be « very marginal ».

« I kept silent because I learned from Tony Blair’s lesson that the day you announce your withdrawal from public life, you lose all influence.

He also refuted the rumors suggesting that he has lost the support of his longtime friend, Bernie Ecclestone.

« He is supportive and he thinks all of this is disgusting, but he knows that I can still handle my affairs. I believe his behavior towards me hasn’t changed. »

« I think it’s a terrible intrusion into my privacy that cannot be justified by any means, and which, I hope, will now be punished. »