Silverstone's chances of retaining the British Grand Prix beyond the expiry of its current contract in 2009 have been dealt a blow by the result of the
FIA Senate vote of confidence on
Max Mosley's future, it has been argued.
That is the view held by Britain's last Formula 1 World Champion
Damon Hill, who admitted his shock at Mosley having survived the secret ballot by the substantial margin of 103 votes to 55.
“In my position as president of the British Racing Drivers' Club trying to safeguard the future of the British Grand Prix, we really need an organisation like the FIA to help us protect our position so that we can have reasonable terms with the commercial rights holders,” the 1996 title-winner told the
BBC.
“It's very difficult, though, when you have a president who is as controversial as Max is, to go to governments and argue the case for
Formula 1.
“Not taking on-board the political atmosphere can be a strength sometimes, but in this case it just seems to be inconsiderate for the sport. Even
Bernie Ecclestone has said Max has pushed his boundaries beyond the limit.”
Mosley has repeatedly re-iterated his intention to remain in the most powerful post in the sport until the end of his fourth term in October, 2009, despite persistent calls for the 68-year-old's resignation in the wake of the sex scandal revealed by the
News of the World, from a good many high-profile figures, organisations and manufacturers within the top flight.
Former Jordan Grand Prix (now Force India) owner Eddie Jordan said that whilst he was not surprised by the outcome of the Paris vote, he did hope Mosley would re-consider his position in the view of such widespread disapprobation and the number of public appointments that have had to be cancelled since the story broke just over two months ago, for fear of causing any further embarrassment.
