Shamed F1 chief beats calls to quit

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone had led calls for Mosley to quit as President of the FIA following lurid allegations about an orgy with prostitutes in a Sunday newspaper.

Ecclestone said the 68-year-old should resign rather than risk a humiliating defeat in Paris but, against all the odds, Mosley won a resounding vote of confidence following a frank two-hour discussion.

Mosley was understood to be delighted after the result was announced at the FIA headquarters with 103 votes in his favour and 55 against, with seven abstentions and four null papers.

The decision threatens to split the sport apart and a spokesman for ADAC, the German motoring body, said: "We view with regret and incredulity the FIA general assembly's decision in Paris, confirming Max Mosley in office as FIA president.

"This is a reason for Europe's largest automobile club to let its functions and co-operation in FIA working groups rest at world level. ADAC will stay with its decision as long as Max Mosley holds the top FIA office of president."

The American Automobile Association - like their German counterparts - had also been openly opposed to Mosley staying on. Their head, Robert Darbelnet, conceded the verdict meant it was a "disappointing day for the FIA".

He added: "We don't think his behaviour is appropriate for an organisation who represent hundreds of millions of motorists.

"I can't think of an organisation that would have arrived at this result. From what I understand, he [Mosley] is very pleased with the outcome - and appropriately."

The AAA will now review whether to remain under the FIA umbrella and discussions will take place with other motoring clubs to determine whether a breakaway faction will be formed.

Last week, the AAA and ADAC led 24 clubs voicing their opposition to Mosley remaining in office in a letter to him.

Mosley pointedly stood firm, even after Ecclestone also went public by stating he should resign.

Mosley, whose current mandate is due to expire in October next year, has only attended one Grand Prix since the allegations first surfaced in March.

He was then publically shunned by Briton Lewis Hamilton, who refused to go to a party which Mosley was attending after the race in Monaco last Sunday.