The manufacturers' involved in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship have hit out at FIA president
Max Mosley following revelations about his private life over the weekend in the
News of the World.
BMW and Mercedes issued a joint statement saying his behaviour was 'disgraceful' after the British tabloid 'paper led its coverage on Sunday with a front page headline '
F1 boss Max Mosley has sick Nazi orgy with 5 hookers'.
"The content of the publications is disgraceful," read a statement from the German manufacturers.
"As a company, we strongly distance ourselves from it. 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. We await a response from the relevant FIA bodies."
Toyota and
Honda have also issued their own statements condemning the 67-year-old.
Toyota's read: "Toyota Motorsport does not approve of any behaviour which could be seen to damage
Formula 1'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."
Honda added: "It is necessary that senior figures in sport and business maintain the highest standards of conduct in order to fulfil their duties with integrity and respect.
"The Honda Racing F1 Team is 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.
"We request that the FIA gives this matter careful consideration and reaches an immediate decision in the best interests of F1 and motorsport."
Ferrari and
Renault - the other two manufacturers' in F1 - have remained silent on the episode.
Mosley meanwhile has confirmed that he is going to take legal action against the
News of the World. He has denied that there was any sort of Nazi element and he maintains he has been the victim of a 'covert' investigation [see separate story].
