FIA would rather talk than litigate, says Mosley

Formula One's governing body may hold off on legal action against Ferrari and teams planning a breakaway series pending further talks, FIA president Max Mosley said yesterday.

"I think we would rather talk than litigate," the motor racing chief told reporters at the British Grand Prix when asked whether it was possible that a writ might not be issued today.

Mosley had not planned on attending yesterday's race after a flying visit to Silverstone on Friday.

However, he returned to the paddock with Formula One's commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone and Renault team boss Flavio Briatore, one of those pushing for the proposed rival series.

The FIA said on Friday that it would be "issuing legal proceedings without delay" against champions Ferrari and the Formula One Teams Association (FOTA).

The eight FOTA teams announced on Thursday they would start preparations for their own championship after talks with the FIA over the 2010 rules broke down.

Mosley said a solution remained possible.

"We are talking to people all the time," he said.

"It will all be back to normal, it's just a question of when."

Mosley denied there was any "personal problem" in his relations with Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo and Briatore.

"Montezemolo and I have known each other nearly 40 years and I get along with him fine on a personal level," he said.

"Flavio is great on a personal level but obviously sometimes when you have got something as complex as Formula One, you can have disagreements about how things operate within the sport. But on a personal basis we've always got along fine.

"I came in this morning in Flavio's helicopter," added the Briton.