The Finn, who will stand against Todt in the FIA presidential election next Friday, argued that neither the FIA nor Mosley managed to maintain neutrality prior to the election process. Mosley continuously backed Todt for the FIA position – both publicly and, no doubt about it, privately – which made Vatanen threaten to launch a legal case in the French courts.
In response, Mosley wrote in his own letter that he feels surprised by Vatanen's comments, especially since the Finn was the one to ask for his support in the first place. In addition, he said that sharing a personal opinion about the candidates for the presidential seat out in the public is “not a violation of any legal principle for anyone”.
“I am surprised you seek to criticize me for supporting the other candidate. You joined me for lunch on 3 July 2009 and repeatedly asked me to support you. You will recall I told you then I would support Jean Todt, as I thought him the better candidate. This was not a reflection on you, merely recognition that, in my view, Jean has relevant knowledge and experience while you do not,” wrote Mosley.
“(...) everyone involved with or interested in the FIA is entitled to a personal view and to express that view,” added the FIA president.
The FIA official website also issued a statement of its own on Friday, asking both candidates to keep their fight clean and non-prejudicial. Most of all, the FIA pointed at the leaked emails suggesting that several members of the governing body have lobbied for Jean Todt in recent months.
“The FIA will be calling on all candidates to avoid negative campaigning and prejudicial leaks to the media. Candidates should focus on the positive aspects and opportunities of the upcoming election and its effect on motoring and motor sport,” said the FIA statement.
Read Max Mosley's response in the PDF below. For a view of both letters, click here.
Google News