Mosley not Ecclestone puppet, says Max Mosley

Max Mosley has angrily denied claim that he is just Bernie Ecclestone's puppet.

"Mr Ecclestone is very much respected, but he does not run Formula One or the FIA. ... He has no say in the appointment of judges of the FIA Court of Appeal and, like the rest of the sporting side of the FIA, is not informed beforehand who the judges will be. It is unlikely he has ever met any of them.

"He sells the television rights and makes the financial arrangements for Formula One, including ensuring that each Grand Prix is properly financed before the FIA considers it for inclusion on the Championship calendar.

"In return for his concession, Mr Ecclestone pays the FIA an amount of money which is index-linked and in no way dependent on the success of his business. He has no means of exerting influence over the FIA apart from his single vote (on the formula One commission).

"Mr Ecclestone often expresses opinions, but has minimal influence over rule-making. This was most recently illustrated by his remarks to the press at the German Grand Prix, when, amid much publicity, he called for the elimination of grooved tyres and gravel traps. His views have not been acted on, nor are they likely to be".

Stephen M Baines http://www.motorsport.org.uk