LONDON // The Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has urged the sport to forget about the controversy surrounding Max Mosley and welcome him back to the sport. The FIA president Mosley won his privacy case against an English newspaper and was awarded £60,000 in compensation following allegations made about his private life. Ecclestone feels Mosley is still a credible president, and he told the BBC: "I thought and was told it would [cost the sport] but people have come to the conclusion that whatever happened with Max was Max and it has nothing to do with anything else.
"I don't think they care any more, people forget all these things. At the time it was a shock, if it had happened to other people it probably wouldn't have been a shock. Max works and does the best he can for the sport, 100 per cent." Ecclestone insists he will treat Mosley as normal when they meet at the Italian Grand Prix later this month. "I'll see him in Monza," he said. "I'll welcome him back. He should come back and carry on like he normally carries on."
Mosley has confirmed he will not stand for re-election when his term runs out next year, but Ecclestone added: "He said he would stand down before and he hasn't. "If we look at it selfishly and look at the sport, it's difficult to see who would replace him and do the things he does." Ecclestone also stated that the British Grand Prix would be under threat if Donington fails to deliver, as returning to Silverstone is not an option.
He said: "If Silverstone couldn't do it before then why could they do it now? "We scaled back so much for them and agreed things we shouldn't have to keep things at Silverstone. "If there is no Donington there is no British GP." * PA Sport
