Mosley Scandal Has Harmed Formula One, Says Webber

Formula one driver Mark Webber has spoken out over the sex scandal surrounding FIA president Max Mosley, claiming it has brought the sport into disrepute.

Webber, who drives for the British-based Red Bull Racing team, said that those within the sport must act as role models and added that such scandals were damaging to motor racing.

"The current scandal has brought the sport into disrepute," Webber told BBC Sport. "Whether we like it or not, all of us in Formula one are role models and F1 simply cannot have scandals of this type. He is in a very influential position and it's a very important role that he has. It makes it difficult when any of these sort of scandals are involved, when they become public. It will be more challenging for him to do his role."

Webber's allegation is a significant one, as the sport's governing body has previously penalised teams it has judged to have harmed Formula one's reputation. While a number of manufacturers involved in the sport have spoken out against Mosley, the Australian is one of very few grand prix drivers to voice his opinion on the affair. However, he refrained from saying whether he believed Mosley should resign.

The matter will be decided by the FIA General Assembly with a vote of confidence due to be held on June 3, and Webber believes most people within the sport will refrain from discussing it until then. "A lot of people are sitting on the fence and waiting for the right protocol to happen," he said. "I'm sure on June 4 there will be a lot more reaction."