American body asks Mosley to step down

Although Mosley has claimed that he has support from several motoring organizations over the controversy that has overshadowed this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix, there have been calls from the German and Australian bodies for him to consider his position.

But the AAA has gone one step further and said that the only outcome it thinks will be satisfactory is for Mosley to step down from his position.

In a statement issued on Saturday night, Yolanda Clark Cade, managing director of AAA Public Relations, said: "Recent events involving the leadership of the FIA have been very distressing and embarrassing.

"While this matter may be viewed as private by some, the damage to the image of FIA and its constituents is clearly public. For an organisation - and its leader - to exercise the moral authority required to represent millions of motorists and sanction the activities of motorsport they must uphold the highest standards of ethical behavior.

"AAA recognizes that Mr. Mosley has dedicated many years of his life to advancing the interests of mobility and motorsport. However, after careful consideration, AAA has conveyed to Mr. Mosley that it would be in the best interest of all concerned if he were to step down. "

Although four F1 car manufacturers issued critical statements on Mosley's behaviour earlier in the week, there has been little further comment from within the paddock at the Bahrain Grand Prix.

When asked about the matter on Saturday, McLaren boss Ron Dennis said he would not discuss the matter as it did not directly involve his team.

"It's the inevitable question," said Dennis. "And of course I'm sure there are many similar questions about a similar subject, but this team is not involved, I am not involved. And I have no further comment to make on the subject.

"We're not involved as a team, we don't want to be involved as a team. I'm not involved as an individual - I have no further comment to make."

Mercedes-Benz motorsport boss Norbert Haug added: "We made our point very clearly. We made the statement together with BMW and our communications people, and that's it for the moment."