Mosley unlikely to resign

Max Mosley appears certain to resist calls for his resignation as president of world motorsport's governing body, the FIA.

Mosley's position has been brought into question since a national Sunday newspaper article relating to his private life.

The revelations have led to various figures in motorsport calling for Mosley to stand down, amongst them former World Champion Jody Scheckter.

"There is absolutely no question in my mind Mosley should resign," insisted Scheckter.

Long-time adversary Sir Jackie Stewart added: "I just think he has to look very carefully at it (his role) and address his future."

However, Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone maintains Mosley's decision is one he has to make of his own volition, rather than pander to outside interference.

"What Max should do is what he thinks is right because it is only him that's involved, not the FIA," Ecclestone told The Times.

"He must do what he believes, in his heart of hearts, is the right thing."

Whilst the matter is a private one between Mosley and the Sunday newspaper concerned, it has emerged that the 67-year-old is apparently willing to soldier on.

Since the story went public, Mosley has spent the last two days in consultation with his lawyers regarding the possibility of legal action against the paper.

Mosley is now unlikely to attend this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix as planned, in particular to avoid taking the focus off the event.

Whilst in Bahrain, Mosley was also due to attend a function with the country's royal family, but that is likely to be scrapped to avoid causing them any embarrassment.

An FIA spokesperson revealed: "The president of the FIA was scheduled to attend the Bahrain Grand Prix, although we are not aware of his latest plans.

"We understand his diary this week has primarily concentrated on meetings with his lawyers following a Sunday newspaper article.

"We have nothing to add on that matter. It is a private one between Max Mosley and the paper.

"However, we understand legal action is being looked at."

Mosley first took the helm as president of the FIA in 1991, and alongside Ecclestone is the most powerful man in motorsport.

Now in his fourth term of office, his present tenure is due to expire next year, with Mosley recently refusing to rule out the prospect of again standing for re-election.

However, even if Mosley has every intention of continuing in the short term, he may now opt to re-think his long-term future.