11/07/2009
NEWS STORY
First there was the photo-op with FIA presidency hopeful Ari Vatanen in the Nurburgring paddock, then came a further twist of the knife as Bernie Ecclestone continues to distance himself from former buddy, Max Mosley.
The picture of Ecclestone shaking hands with Vatanen, who only a couple of hours earlier had admitted that he will stand for the presidency in October, declaring that a change is needed, is probably the F1 supremo's ideas of subtle, however, its significance will be lost on no-one, least of all Mosley. But then Ecclestone stuck the knife in a little deeper, telling the Times that Mosley will not stand for another term.
"I have no doubt in my mind, as long as I've known Max, he's always done what he said he would do," said the Englishman.
"He's an honourable person," he added. "I've always said Max can have a cheque signed by me, without any name or amount on it, because he's a trustworthy guy. So I have no doubt that he will honour all the things he's ever said he will do."
Referring to last month's u-turn, when Mosley, less than 24-hours after announcing that he would not stand for re-election, declared all bets off in a fit of pique following a mauling in the media after his apparent climbdown in the battle with FOTA, Ecclestone claims that his old mate never said he would definitely stand again.
"He said his options are open but he didn't say what they were going to be, did he?" said Ecclestone. "He was a bit upset after agreements had been made to be quiet and not throw stones at each other, and then remarks were made which upset him." Poor dear.
Friendship is one thing but this is business, and Ecclestone, and CVC, risk losing everything because of the ego of one man. Consequently, whereas Ecclestone was previously working silently behind the scenes, now the man is preparing to go public, pulling the rug from under his former ally.
If Mosley does decide not to stand for re-election, one can be sure that he will throw his weight behind Jean Todt's bid for the presidency. Interestingly, Vatanen spent two season with the Peugeot WRC team, the manager at that time being one Jean Todt.
Even more interesting however, is the fact that Vatanen also spent three seasons with the Rothmans Rally Team, for whom he drove a Ford Escort. His co-driver was one David Richards.