'Monaco royals won't even shake Max's hand'

Friday 16th May 2008

Max Mosley's chances of retaining the FIA Presidency suffered yet another blow with the Monaco royal family reportedly saying he's not welcome at next Sunday's grand prix.

After being banned from April's Bahrain GP in the wake of the News of the World sex scandal that could cost Mosley his presidency, he has avoided all F1 races.

However, the 68-year-old has said he will attend next weekend's Monaco GP, the showcase of the F1 calendar, as he has a home in the Principality.

It was also believed the Mosley expected the royal family, headed by Prince Albert, would rally to his support.

But, according to the Daily Mail, the exact opposite has happened.

The newspaper reports that although Mosley will be present at the race the Grimaldis have made it clear that he is not welcome and that they are " unwilling even to shake hands with him."

The FIA have therefore taken steps by giving the role of the FIA's 'official representative' to deputy president Marco Piccinini, who will even attend the Monaco gala dinner in Mosley's place.

Motosport's governing body is even taking steps to keep Mosley and the Grimaldis apart in both the paddock and on the grid in order to avoid any embarrassing situations.

The Monaco fiasco is yet another blow to Mosley's chances of retaining his presidency when the FIA general assembly meeting vote on his future in Paris on June 3.

"He is an emperor with no clothes. If he can't fulfill his job as FIA President in Monaco, he can't do it anywhere. End of story," a leading F1 figure told the newspaper.

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