25/09/2009
NEWS STORY
Bernie Ecclestone, who earlier this year caused outrage when he appeared to suggest that Adolf Hitler wasn't all bad, has come out in support of Jean Todt's bid for the FIA presidency.
In a press release issued by Jean Todt's team today, Ecclestone is quotes as saying: "I have known Jean for many years. He is a most reliable, gifted and trustworthy person. He is determined and dedicated to whatever goals he sets himself and I admire and respect him greatly for everything he has achieved.
"The FIA needs a President that is strong, capable and with experience at the highest levels of motor sport," he added. "Jean is by far the most knowledgeable and capable candidate for this vitally important role. I hope everybody will support his candidacy."
Ecclestone's comments regarding Hitler in July caused outrage and for a while cast serious doubt about the F1 supremo's future, with Sir Martin Sorrell, who serves on the board of (F1 owner) CVC Capital Partners, one of many to voice their disgust.
'I am appalled by what he said about Hitler,' Sorrell told the Daily Mail. "His comments were disgusting. Any other CEO in any other business would be gone."
Such was the outrage, the comments coming just a year after Max Mosley was accused of taking part in a Nazi-themed sex orgy, Ecclestone was forced into issuing an apology by way of an article in the Times newspaper.