Mosley skips Spanish GP for rally

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Under-fire world motorsport boss Max Mosley will miss next weekend`s Spanish Grand Prix to attend the Jordan Rally.

The crown prince of Jordan, HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein, has invited him to mark Jordan`s debut appearance on the World Rally Championship calendar.

The invitation means Mosley will miss the launch of the FIA`s anti-racism campaign in Barcelona.

A newspaper has claimed Mosley took part in a “Nazi-style orgy”. He denies his actions had any Nazi connotations.

He has faced numerous calls to resign since the News of the World`s revelations.

The 68-year-old`s future will be decided by a secret ballot in Paris on 3 June when members of the FIA`s general assembly will hold a vote of confidence.

But Jordan have come out in support of Mosley and the crown prince spoke in favour of the FIA president.

Every single board member agreed that Max Mosley should stand down Motorsport South Africa director Beaulah Schoeman

“Max has been a strong friend and ally to Jordan and has supported us since we announced our bid three years ago,” he said on the Jordan Rally`s official website.

“We are delighted that he will be sharing the historic occasion with us.”

However, Motorsport South Africa (MSA) said on Wednesday that it planned to vote against Mosley at the extraordinary general assembly in Paris.

“Every single board member agreed that Max Mosley should stand down,” said MSA director Beaulah Schoeman.

“The private lives of people doesn`t concern us but it brings not only the FIA but brings motorsport into disrepute.”

American motoring federation the AAA has already demanded that Mosley quit, while federations from Australia, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Israel have criticised him.

The United Arab Emirates has stated they will vote in favour of him remaining in office, and Jordan now appear to have emerged as another ally.

As president, Mosley backed plans to earlier this year to introduce the `Racing Against Racism` campaign after McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton was subjected to racist abuse at the Circuit de Catalunya during winter training.

However, he will not be at the circuit next weekend to see his initiative put into action.

Mosley has led the FIA since 1993, and his latest term as president does not expire until October 2009.

16.4.2008   ▪ Formula One    ▪ Mosley    ▪ news.bbc.co.uk