Formula 1’s governing body has refused to be drawn on lurid sexual allegations in a British tabloid newspaper about its president Max Mosley.
The News of the World claimed in a front-page expose on Sunday that Mosley had taken part in a sadomasochistic orgy with several prostitutes which allegedly involved Nazi role-playing.
The paper printed pictures and posted video footage on its website showing a man it identified as Mosley and claimed the figure in the pictures was re-enacting a scene from a Nazi concentration camp.
An FIA spokesman distanced the governing body from the allegations while revealing that Mosley was considering taking legal action.
“This is a matter between Mr Mosley and the newspaper in question,” he said.
“We understand that Mr Mosley’s lawyers are now in contact with that newspaper and the FIA has no comment.”
It is not known what form any legal action might take; the two most obvious recourses open to Mosley are to sue for libel or for a breach of privacy under Article 8 of the European Convention of Human Rights.
Jewish groups have reacted angrily to the allegations and called for Mosley’s resignation.
Karen Pollock, chief executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, told The Times: “This is sick and depraved. For anyone to be in such a position of influence and power beggars belief. I am absolutely appalled.”
Stephen Smith, director of the Holocaust Centre, added: “As Mr Mosley has condemned the racism in motorsport he should live up to the standards he sets.
“This is an insult to millions of victims, survivors and their families. He should apologise. He should resign from the sport.”
However, Formula 1’s commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone rejected such demands, playing down the allegations and arguing that Mosley’s private behaviour does not affect his ability to do his job.
“I’ve known him an awful long time,” Ecclestone was quoted as saying by The Times.
“If somebody had told me this without the evidence I would have found it difficult to believe.
“Assuming it’s all true, what people do privately is up to them.
“I don’t honestly believe [it] affects the sport in any way.
“Knowing Max it might be all a bit of a joke.
“You know, it’s one of those things where he’s sort of taking the p***, rather than anything against Jewish people.”