Max Mosley happy to run for fifth term in office

Mosley indicated last year, in the wake of the revelations into his private life, his current mandate - which expires in October- would be his last.

But in the wake of his war with the Formula One Teams' Association, Mosley has indicated ahead of tomorrow's critical World Motor Sport Council meeting in Paris he is happy to run for a fifth term in office.

Mosley has outlined his intentions in a letter written today and addressed to all FIA member clubs, a copy of which has been seen by PA Sport.
"Over recent weeks it has become increasingly clear that one of the objectives of the dissident teams is that I should resign as president of the FIA," writes Mosley.

"Last year you offered me your confidence and, as I wrote to you on 16 May 2008, it was my intention not to seek re-election in October this year.

"However, in light of the attack on the mandate you have entrusted to me, I must now reflect on whether my original decision not to stand for re-election was indeed the right one.

"It is for the FIA membership, and the FIA membership alone, to decide on its democratically elected leadership, not the motor industry and still less the individuals the industry employs to run its Formula One teams."

The 69-year-old is determined to defend himself and the Federation in light of FOTA's criticism of his governance, and their desire to launch a breakaway series.

Mosley has also been stung by the comments of ACEA, the European Car Manufacturers' Association, who are currently firmly behind FOTA, and who also attacked the FIA and its president.

A statement written 11 days ago read: "ACEA has come to the conclusion the FIA needs a modernised and transparent governance system and processes, including the revision of its constitution, to ensure the voice of its members, worldwide motor sport competitors and motorists are properly reflected."

Mosley sees this as an affront to himself and an organisation he has represented for the last 16 years.

"This is an attack on the FIA's right to regulate its Formula One world championship," added Mosley.
"But, worse, it is a wholly unjustified criticism of, and direct challenge to, the entire structure and purpose of the FIA.

"No president of the FIA could allow this to go unanswered.

"We are also preparing legal proceedings in case these are needed to protect the FIA's rights in its championship and to discourage any dissident Formula One team from engaging in illegal acts."

Writs against Ferrari and FOTA - which also includes McLaren, BMW Sauber, Renault, Toyota, Red Bull Racing, Toro Rosso and Brawn GP - had been expected to be served yesterday.

Mosley, however, opted to wait for a few days, with the likelihood they will now be processed after tomorrow's World Council meeting.

Luca di Montezemolo is due to attend what may well be an explosive session given the Ferrari president and FOTA chairman has been the prime mover behind the rival series.

Explaining the reasoning behind his battle with FOTA, Mosley added: "A reduction in costs is essential if the independent teams are to survive.
"Without the independent teams, the championship would depend entirely on the car manufacturers who, of course, have always come and gone as it suited them.

"It is extraordinary that at a time when all five manufacturers involved are in great financial difficulty and relying on taxpayers money, their Formula One teams should threaten a breakaway series in order to avoid reducing their Formula One costs.

"It remains to be seen whether the boards of the parent companies will allow precious resources to be wasted in this way."

FOTA, however, were united and defiant during the course of the British Grand Prix weekend, insisting their threat of a rival series was not an idle one.

Various FOTA members confirmed a number of teams and circuits had been in contact, underlining the level of interest in a breakaway movement.