Ecclestone will explain African remarks

D N Njoroge, the director general of the Automobile Association of Kenya, wrote a letter to Ecclestone criticising his statement that: "Just because [Max Mosley] got a few more votes from Africa doesn't mean King of Spain will want to shake his hand."

Njoroge wrote: "The African clubs take great exception in what is clearly derogatory, demeaning and uncalled for attacks on Africa.

"In more than 30 years of my close relationship with AIT/FIA, this is the first time to come across such subtle and thinly veiled attacks based on ethnicity and we expect withdrawal and apology to Africa if there was no motive behind these remarks."

When asked by autosport.com about his response to the letter, Ecclestone said that he was himself expecting a letter from the Daily Express clarifying his original remarks.

"I spoke to the guy from the Express and he said he never wrote it at all (like that) and I never said anything like that," said Ecclestone.

"I've asked the guy from the Express to write to me and I will send the letter on (to Njoroge)."