01/07/2004
NEWS STORY
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In recent years, two men have largely dominated Formula One, Max Mosley and Bernie Ecclestone.
Although widely seen as 'partners in crime' when it comes to the business of running Formula One, the two men couldn't be more different. They are as 'chalk and cheese' or indeed Felix and Oscar from The Odd Couple.
Whereas Ecclestone is the former second-hand car salesman, the tough, always ready for a brawl, negotiator, Mosley is a highly articulate, well-educated, former barrister. They make the perfect partnership.
Mosley, son of Sir Oswald Mosley and Diana Mitford, was brought up in Europe speaking several languages, followed by a university education of the highest degree.
In addition to a successful legal career, Mosley also enjoyed success as a racing driver, at one time working in the employ of Frank Williams.
In 1969 he was one of the founding members of March Engineering, and subsequently began to run Formula One cars, thus becoming a member of the elite group of, mainly British, team owners which Ecclestone subsequently banded together as the Formula One Constructors Association
Mosley's legal background became a vital element of Ecclestone's progress towards the role of F1 supremo, particularly when it came to challenging the authority of the sport's governing body in the early eighties.
When, in the late eighties, Mosley joined the FIA, taking on the presidency of its sporting side, he effectively became poacher-turned-gamekeeper. Subsequently, he became president of the entire organisation. Over the years, Mosley has increased the FIA's importance in the automotive and political world, the Englishman never afraid to take the fight to those that threaten the sport, even the European Commission.
Although he previously said that he would only serve two terms as President, he recently said that he would be willing to serve one more term, clearly he felt there was more work to be done.
One the one hand, Mosley has done much for Formula One, and indeed motorsport, however on the other, there is widespread concern that he is simply too close to Ecclestone.
The announcement that he is to stand down in October has stunned everyone in the pitlane, and there is sure to be much conjecture as to the precise reason and who will replace him.
That he cares about the sport has never been in question, however one can't help but feel that there are certain issues, where he might have made more of a stand.