ADAC tells Mosley to reconsider his role

Mosley has called an extraordinary meeting of the FIA membership to discuss the fallout from the tabloid revelations that have dominated headlines in recent days. It is understood Mosley wants to hold the meeting to provide 'total clarity' on the situation for members of motor racing's governing body.

With car manufacturers BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Honda and Toyota having issued statements in Bahrain expressing their concern about the revelations made by the News of the World last weekend, now ADAC has also voiced its own worries about the impact of the affair.

In a statement issued by the organisation, it confirmed that it had written to Mosley asking him to consider his future, as it did not feel it appropriate he could continue in his role against the backdrop of the scandal.

The release said: "In a letter to FIA president Max Mosley, the ADAC has distanced itself from events surrounding his person. According to the ADAC, the role of an FIA president who represents more than 100 million motorists worldwide should not be burdened by such an affair. Therefore, we ask the president to 'very carefully reconsider his role within the organisation'.

"According to the ADAC, the appropriate FIA process has to take care of the matter. It is in the interests of this world organisation to carry on with its duties without the burden of this affair."

Mosley wrote to all FIA national bodies, including the ADAC, earlier this week to apologise for any embarrassment that the affair had caused. He made it clear, however, that he had no intention of stepping down from his position because of what had happened.

"I have received a very large number of messages of sympathy and support from those within the FIA and the motor sport and motoring communities generally, suggesting that my private life is not relevant to my work and that I should continue in my role," wrote Mosley in the letter.

"I am grateful and with your support I intend to follow this advice."