Max Mosley wins vote of confidence

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Max Mosley, the president of the FIA, has won a vote of confidence from the sport's governing body despite lurid revelations of his part in an alleged Nazi-style orgy with five prostitutes.

Mr Mosley was caught on video by the News of the World with five women in an underground “torture chamber” in Chelsea, where he spent several hours allegedly indulging in sado-masochistic sex.

Since the revelations, Mosley has fought to clear his name to survive in office despite a deafening chorus from those who believe that he should have stepped down, even ignoring a late plea from Bernie Ecclestone, the Formula One rights holder.

The vote, which took place in Paris, involved 177 delegates and the meeting was chaired by Michel Boeri, the president of the FIA Senate.

Critics claimed the agenda has appeared biased in Mosley's favour because, although there will be an opportunity for “statements from members” prior to Mosley's address, there was no opportunity either for an opposing case to be formally set out or for members to question Mosley.

Up until a week ago it was thought Mosley would come through the vote unscathed, however in recent days a significant number of automobile clubs, representing 13 per cent of the vote, added their voice to the chorus calling on him to resign.

Mosley has been president of the FIA for the past 15 years, his current mandate is due to expire in October next year.

Max Mosley wins vote of confidence - Times Online