FIA president Max Mosley has warned the member clubs of the association that it is essential they elect a strong president later this year, even if it means sacrificing the success of Formula 1. In a letter to all the member clubs of the FIA, Mosley expressed his fear that anything other than a robust leader would jeopardise its independence, suggesting that the car manufacturers through their involvement with FOTA could heavily influence the FIA.

“The question of FIA president is a matter exclusively for you, the member clubs of the FIA, and most definitely not for the vehicle manufacturers who make up FOTA,” wrote Mosley. “To have an FIA president under the influence of the vehicle manufacturers would put at jeopardy all the excellent work our organisation and your clubs do in promoting better safety and environmental outcomes in the vehicle fleet.

“If nothing else, this attempt to tell FIA members who they should or should not elect demonstrates precisely why the FIA needs a strong president who is experienced and knowledgeable about motor sport, in particular Formula One, as well as general motoring interests,” be continued.

“We must continue to defend the independence of the FIA, even if this leads to difficulties in the sport.”

Mosley's plea to the member clubs comes after the Formula One Teams' Association (FOTA) issued 'deliberately misleading' statements to the press regarding their deal with the FIA over 2010 regulations, including the controversial budget cap. The Briton, however, rubbished claims by FOTA that the deal had been a back-down by the governing body.

“Unfortunately, some have sought to interpret this outcome as a back-down by the FIA and a coup by teams wishing to remove me from my post. There have even been claims I have ceased to fulfil my role as president, effective immediately. These claims are completely false.

“I can only again stress that the FIA achieved the two goals it set itself – that of very significantly reduced costs and additional teams.

“I will continue to fulfil my role as president up until, and including, our general assembly in October. For me to do otherwise would be to betray the support I received last year when my role as president was confirmed by FIA clubs at the extraordinary general assembly,” concluded Mosley.

Following the announcement of the deal between the FIA and FOTA on Wednesday, Mosley confirmed that he would not run for re-election as FIA president, now that peace had been found. However, given the rapid changes in circumstances, it's not beyond the bounds of possibility that Mosley runs for office again in October.