With the Grand Prix of Bahrain just a few days away, the F1 teams are starting to react to the Max Mosley "Nazi Dungeon" scandal.

BMW and Mercedes-Benz put out a joint release to the FIA to take action against Mosley, calling his hijinks "disgraceful."  The release went on to say "This incident concerns Max Mosley both personally and as President of the FIA, the global umbrella organisation for motoring clubs. Its consequences therefore extend far beyond the motor sport industry."

Echoing the sentiment, the two Japanese teams released similar statements.  Honda F1 Racing Team (as opposed to the manufacturer) stated that they are "extremely disappointed by recent events surrounding Mr Mosley and we are concerned that the reputation of Formula One and all its participants is being damaged." 

Toyota Motorsports, which is based in Germany, laid down what was perhaps the most scathing reply to the incident, saying that they "(do) not approve of any behaviour which could be seen to damage Formula One's image, in particular any behaviour which could be understood to be racist or anti-Semitic. Senior figures within any sport or business, including motorsport, must adhere to high standards of behaviour. When all the facts are known, it will be for the FIA to decide whether Mr Mosley has met the moral obligations which come with the position of FIA President."

Mosley himself has refused to step down from his position as FIA President, and has called an Extraordinary General Assembly of the FIA governing body as a whole, to meet at the earliest practical date.  While some believe that the meeting is being called so he can announce his resignation, Autosport Magazine is saying that Mosley will ask for the organization's backing.  The meeting will not be anytime soon, however, as the FIA Senate comprises 200 members from many different racing disciplines.

While the condemnations are certainly interesting, I find fascinating those who AREN'T saying anything.  I would have expected Ferrari to have at least given some support to Mosley, perhaps in a statement such as "until all facts are known, we blah blah blah."  Instead, they've been completely quiet.  McLaren, perhaps the team that above all others would cheer for Mosley's leaving, has said nothing officially, preferring to let Mercedes do the talking.  And with a Gallic shrug, Renault has been totally quiet.

If any of those three teams says something either positive or negative, you can bet that Mosley's fate will be sealed, one way or the other.

Again, the official stance of F1 UPDATE! is that Mosley should either leave on his own, or be pushed out the door.

Posted by: Wonderduck at 08:51 PM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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