Theissen stands by Mosley criticism

Mercedes-Benz and BMW issued a joint statement this morning saying that the behaviour of Mosley, as revealed in the News of the World, was 'disgraceful.'

That statement prompted Mosley to criticise the car makers, claiming they should have checked with him first about the truthfulness of the reports before they spoke out.

He said: "Given the history of BMW and Mercedes Benz, particularly before and during the Second World War, I fully understand why they would wish to strongly distance themselves from what they rightly describe as the disgraceful content of these publications.

"Unfortunately, they did not contact me before putting out their statement to ask whether the content was in fact true. No doubt the FIA will respond to them in due course as I am about to respond to the newspaper in question."

Despite that response, and Mosley's reference to the Second World War, Theissen has insisted that BMW stands by its statement - and claimed that the controversy spreads well beyond just Formula One.

"We had no intention nor have we announced that we will back down from anything," said Theissen when asked about rumours that BMW was poised to retract the statement in light of Mosley's response.

"We have put out a statement this morning. We have asked for a reaction of the relevant FIA bodies and we have the answer from Max Mosley that we will get a reaction from the FIA. We will not make any further comments until we have this reaction."

He added: "I am a bit surprised that this whole thing is mainly seen as a Formula One issue. In my view, it is not. The FIA is the governing body, or the umbrella body, of the worldwide motoring clubs so it is not even the auto industry that is affected, it is the clubs. That is why we expect a reaction from the FIA first."

When asked why neither BMW nor Mercedes-Benz communicated with Mosley before issuing their statement, Theissen said: "For two reasons. First we haven't had an explanation from Max or the FIA.

"He has sent a letter to the FIA but not to the auto manufacturers, and that also shows that the FIA is affected in the first instance, and not us. We haven't had an explanation.

"And secondly we have not commented on the substance and the question of whether it is true or not. We have commented on the public perception of the situation. And that doesn't need any discussion or explanation. The purpose of our statement is to make clear where our company stands."

Theissen believes, however, that it would take some time to judge whether or not the affair has damaged F1's reputation.

"I think it is too early to say," he said. "We have to see what happens in the coming weeks."

Theissen said he was not surprised that Mosley has bucked all calls to resign and fully intends to remain in his role as FIA president.

"Having been in F1 for nine years now, I am not surprised about anything any more," said Theissen. "But let me add one other thing.

"This entire issue is in focus now, but what shouldn't be neglected is it certainly looks like a trap. And that is something which in our view is not acceptable either."