FIA would rather talk than litigate, says Mosley


Formula One's governing body may hold off on legal action against Ferrari and teams planning a breakaway series pending further talks, FIA president Max Mosley said on Sunday.

"I think we would rather talk than litigate," the motor racing chief told reporters at the British Grand Prix when asked whether it was possible that a writ might not be issued on Monday.

Mosley had not planned on attending Sunday's race after a flying visit to Silverstone on Friday.

However he returned to the paddock with Formula One's commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone and Renault team boss Flavio Briatore, one of those pushing for the proposed rival series.

The International Automobile Federation (FIA) said on Friday that it would be "issuing legal proceedings without delay" against champions Ferrari and the Formula One Teams Association (FOTA).

The eight FOTA teams announced on Thursday they would start preparations for their own championship after talks with the FIA over the 2010 rules broke down.

Mosley said a solution remained possible.

"We are talking to people all the time," he said. "It will all be back to normal, it's just a question of when.

"I think (an agreement) is very close, I think what divides us and the teams is minimal and really is something that we could sit down and iron out very quickly and we said to them we are ready to do this.

"Now it may take them a little time to get to the position where they want to, but when they do we are ready."

Mosley denied there was any "personal problem" in his relations with Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo and Briatore.

"Montezemolo and I have known each other nearly 40 years and I get along with him fine on a personal level," he said.

"Flavio is great on a personal level but obviously sometimes when you have got something as complex as Formula One, you can have disagreements about how things operate within the sport. But on a personal basis we've always got along fine.

"I came in this morning in Flavio's helicopter," added the Briton.

Mosley made newspaper headlines on Sunday for comments in which he described some of the FOTA teams as 'loonies' (lunatics).

He clarified that comment, saying: "We divide the teams into two camps, which are the moderates who want to talk and want a settlement, and what we call the 'loonies' who appear not to want a settlement.

"It's more of a jokey reference than anything else," he added. "I don't think they are literally loonies but I think they are a little bit immoderate in their approach."