F1: more off-track action spoils the sport's image

Moseley has gone straight on the offensive. He has called an EGM of the FIA, Formula One's governing body, to make his position known. He has started libel proceedings against the News of the World. And he has issued media statements.

The fact is that the allegations are not truly scandalous to anyone except the outrage industry - those people who make an art form out of expressing indignation for some supposed harm.

In the case of the News of the World story, it alleges that Moseley took part in a sex party at which he was dressed in a Nazi uniform, a party with numerous prostitutes. In some respects, the situation is similar to the criticism of one of the UK's Princes when he attended a (non-sexual) fancy dress party in a German WWII uniform.

The correct answer to the allegations, whether or not they are true, is "so what?" Moseley has said, quite properly we would opine, that the only relevant question is why any aspect of his private life, true or not, are a matter for public discussion.

Unfortunately, some others are already taking the opposing view. Sir Jackie Stewart, whose recent autobiography reveals a rather different character from the lovable, cuddle and slightly eccentric chap we have all assumed him to be, has said that Moseley's private life cannot be separated from his FIA duties, telling ITV that "this is no longer a private matter."

Reportedly, Moseley has been asked to stay away from the Bahrain GP on the basis that consorting with prostitutes would offend the religious beliefs of Bahrainis, says Stewart.

Stewart has long tilted at Moseley and sometimes Moseley responds intemperately: such as when, last year, he described Stewart as a "certified half-wit" over his comments on the McLaren / Ferrari spat over commercial secrets.

Stewart told ITV that, if Moseley was head of any international body or corporation "he would already have had to resign because the moral issue is part of that."

But, readers of Stewart's book may form the view that he is an arrogant and opinionated man who was a superb driver, made a huge contribution to driver safety but aside from that is really a name-dropper of the first order and a promoter of brands that pay him for associating his name with theirs, and someone who has trouble quietly leaving behind his habit of being a rent-a-mouth speaker, often over-reaching the mark.

That is, we believe, certainly the case in relation to the Moseley affair.

Again, except for those who want to make a fuss, who cares?

It is almost impossible to find any man who has not paid for sex - even if by the less dubious method of buying dinner and expecting a bunk-up in return.

It is ridiculous to pretend that German uniforms should never be worn - after all, it is difficult to imagine that Moseley or the prince - or the vast majority of those who would wear them for a party - do it in anything other than a sense of irony, humour and even to take the mickey.

To suggest that a sense of humour failure should be the reason to bring down Moseley or anyone else is, frankly, ridiculous and if he has any such problem, then we would suggest that he claim unfair dismissal. To criticise and worse to discipline him, even if the story is true, is ludicrous and pandering to those who would deny the rest of us our freedoms.

Already the national motorsport bodies of Germany and The Netherlands have said they do not support him with the Netherlands openly suggesting he be sacked.

Moseley has apologised for any embarrassment the issue causes the sport but is firm in his denials of the story and says that, even if they were true, the newspaper had no right to publish stories about his private life for the sole purpose of titillation and to cause him and his interests embarrassment and harm.