Mosley to skip official functions in Monaco

Mosley is to make his first appearance at a Grand Prix in Monaco since the News of the World made revelations about his private life earlier this year.

And with obvious concerns about Monaco's Prince Albert facing potential embarrassment in meeting Mosley in light of the ongoing controversy, it has been agreed that Mosley will not attend official functions, such as the podium and prize-giving gala, to avoid putting the royal family in a difficult position.

He will, however, continue to represent the governing body and will hold planned meetings over the course of the weekend.

A statement issued by the ACM on Friday, reacting to reports that Mosley had been snubbed by the Monaco royal family, said: "At the request of the FIA President the FIA was represented by Mr Marco Piccinini, a prominent Monegasque citizen as well as the FIA Deputy President for Sport, during this year's Monte Carlo Rally at the prize giving and gala dinner.

"The ACM was informed some time ago that it was agreed between Mr Mosley and Mr Piccinini that the same procedure would be adopted for the Monaco Grand Prix.

"Mr Mosley will be in attendance throughout the event in the normal way in his capacity as FIA President and any suggestion to the contrary is entirely erroneous."

The Times newspaper on Friday quoted a spokesman for the Royal Palace in Monaco as saying there was 'no question' of the Prince meeting Mosley during the weekend.

"We have just been informed that Mr Marco Piccinini will represent the FIA at the Monaco Grand Prix," the spokesman said. "The Prince will only meet the official representative of the FIA, but maybe Mr Mosley will come as a private person to the Grand Prix."

He added: "We were waiting for the official decision - we have just been informed this morning, so we did not take any decision before."