It would have been pleasant to think that the vote in Paris would have settled Max Mosley's future, but that would be hoping for too much. I do not believe that his being caught on camera precipitated the threatened split in the FIA but, rather, has been used as an excuse.

It would ill-become me to be cynical, but I wonder why the story broke when it did. The sting was a long time in the planning and it involved substantial cash. The News of the World pays for scandal delivered to its door, but it has no record of spending big money on investigative journalism.

Now that Max has retained his position, Pitpass can resume criticising him when we feel it is justified. We suspended that on the grounds that it is not fair to kick a man when he's down and anyway the treatment of Max has been grossly unfair.

What has bothered me is the sheer spite some people have displayed. There seems to be many an old score being settled and a minor piece of tittle tattle has been blown out of all proportion. Many moons ago the head of a motor racing team was accused of being in a sex scandal by the News of the World. When I arrived at the circuit, the photocopier in the press office was working overtime so that everyone got the story.

The team boss kept a low profile all day. Then his cars scored a 1-2 in the feature Formula Two race whereupon he joined his drivers on the back of the truck for the victory parade. That evening he held a cocktail party and everyone in his apartment block was invited. He said, "You have all seen the News of the World and you are all curious. Some of what they wrote is true, a lot isn't. That is all I am going to say. If that does not satisfy you, I will understand if you leave. Otherwise, enjoy the party." I am told that everyone stayed for the party.

The allegations against him and his wife were more serious than those against Max since they could have led to criminal proceedings. The man guided his team to Formula One and I have heard many people speak well of him.

Motor racing, like many another community, protects its own. The gossip goes round, of course, but the sport has been traditionally permissive when it comes to how people get their rocks off. An exception is being made in this instance and it is Let's Put The Boot Into Max time.

I do not mean people like Jackie Stewart or Martin Brundle, both of whom might be excused for Mosley-bashing, but who have been measured in their responses. Sir Jackie has said that Mosley should go and, as always, he has presented a cogent argument.

I happen to disagree with him. I do not believe that entrapment and publication in a sleaze rag is reason for him to step down. Some people say he is the author of his own misfortune, but he did not knowingly walk into room which was bugged. It had been something he had been doing for years, every few months, and with the same whoremistress.

On the other hand, regular readers will know that I think that he should have stepped down long ago. His jibes against Stewart were unacceptable. So was his legal action, since withdrawn, against Brundle.

I have the tape of an interview with Max from 1996, in which he said that two full terms as President would be enough. After a time, the office could corrupt. We have seen enough examples of that in international politics.