How the world viewed FIA chief’s shock reprieve

The key reaction to Herr von Mosley’s amazing win in Paris:

1. “I am just picking myself up off the floor. The decision is incredible, although I suppose we shouldn’t be surprised. Max’s audacity has always been absolutely breathtaking. Just when you think he is right on the ropes, he pings back and knocks the other guy out.“
Damon Hill, not happy with the result. He also called it a “tragedy”

2. “I had a £50 bet on this and I have won.”
Sir Jackie Stewart, branded a “certified halfwit” by Mosley earlier this week, lives up to Scottish stereotypes

3. “It’s a very unfortunate outcome; it’s a very unfortunate day for the FIA. I will give it very serious consideration whether or not to remain effectively engaged in an organisation that condones this type of activity… We don’t think Mosley’s behaviour is appropriate for an organisation which represents hundreds of millions of motorists. This is not the type of behaviour that any organisation I know of should be condoning.”
Roger Darbelnet, head of the American Automobile Association: not impressed

4. “There were many people who didn’t want to speak to him (Mosley) before. I can’t think they will want to speak to him now as a result of what has happened. Nothing has changed in that respect. Just because he gets a few clubs from Africa voting for him will not make the King of Spain want to shake his hand.”
Bernie Ecclestone exercises his desert-dry wit

5. “What I did not want to happen, indeed the last thing I wanted was for Max to go today.”
Ecclestone again

6. “ADAC (Germany’s motor association) views with regret and incredulity the FIA general assembly’s decision in Paris confirming Max Mosley in office as FIA president… This is a reason for Europe’s largest automobile club to let its functions and cooperation in FIA working groups rest at world level. ADAC will stay with its decision as long as Max Mosley holds the top FIA office as president.”
The Germans take their ball home

7. “We voted for a very successful president that made this organization a very respected body. We think it is good for FIA if Max finishes his mandate.”
Gueorgui Yanakiev, president of Bulgaria’s motoring federation. Teacher’s pets

8. This is a sad day for motorsport because this is the beginning of the end of the FIA… The damage done is irreparable and we will now see the demise of the FIA.”
Paul Stoddart, ex-team boss of Minardi, talking to BBC’s Five Live

9. “The extraordinary victory came at a price for the 68-year-old multi-millionaire… After a lifetime of sharing the spotlight with royalty and celebrities, a welcome guest at the most glamorous venues, Mr Mosley will see out his final days in office as a pariah, repudiated by former allies and business partners.”
Kevin Garside, the Telegraph’s chief F1 writer

10. “If I was still a team owner I would be quite concerned because it is a difficult climate at the moment to attract new sponsorship to the sport and this makes it even more so.”
Former F1 team owner Eddie Jordan

Still no word from Mosley himself though…