Mosley not planning to step down

A News of the World frontpage story, which reported Mosley had taken part in a 'sadomasochistic orgy' with five prostitutes, has prompted widespread coverage and led some to call for his resignation.

Former world champion Jody Scheckter told The Guardian on Tuesday: "There is absolutely no question in my mind that Mosley should resign.

"From a purely motor racing point of view you can't have somebody like this running the sport or any other sport come to that. I really think he ought to go and I would like to see the press having a concerted campaign to persuade him to do just that."

However, sources close to Mosley have confirmed that he has every intention of continuing in his role, as he continues discussions with his lawyers regarding the News of the World article.

The widespread media coverage that the article has caused, however, could yet result in Mosley cancelling a planned trip to this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix.

He was scheduled to attend the event and a function with the Bahraini Royal Family, but may choose to not travel there to avoid any potential embarrassment for anyone there.

An FIA spokesman told autosport.com that no decision had been taken yet.

"We understand that Mr Mosley had originally planned to attend Bahrain but is currently unavailable due to consultation with lawyers, and we cannot confirm his plans," said the spokesman.

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has suggested, however, that it would perhaps be best if Mosley did not attend the race.

Speaking to The Times, Ecclestone said: "He shouldn't go, should he? The problem is he would take all the ink away from the race and put it on something which, honestly and truly, is nobody else's business anyway,"

When asked about whether or not Mosley should resign over the matter, Ecclestone said: "What Max should do is what he thinks is right because it is only him that's involved, not the FIA. He must do what he believes, in his heart of hearts, is the right thing."