MAY 25, 1998

The FIA versus the European Commission

WE believe that the International Automobile Federation is going to sue the European Commission as we suggested recently but that Bernie Ecclestone has decided not to involve himself in a similar action as he is hoping to find some way of compromise which will enable him to push ahead with the flotation of Formula 1 Holdings as soon as possible.

The FIA cannot take legal action against Karel Van Miert, the European Competition Commissioner, because he was working for the commission when the problems arose and is therefore not personally liable.

FIA President Max Mosley refuses to make any comments about any plans for legal action but our sources within the FIA suggest that the suit will be based on the fact that the Competition Directorate leaked documents to the press in Belgium which damaged the image of the FIA.