Calls for Mosley to quit after tabloid sting

Max Mosley, son of the notorious pre-war fascist leader Sir Oswald Mosley, was under pressure today to quit his post as president of the FIA, Formula One's ruling body, after being exposed by the News of the World allegedly enjoying a sado-masochistic orgy - with Nazi overtones - in a Chelsea apartment.

Jewish groups and motor racing insiders have condemned his behaviour which, according to the News of the World, involved him speaking to a group of five prostitutes in German as he beat them. This came after he allowed himself to be subjected to a humiliating 'concentration camp' inspection for lice and an interrogation in chains.

"This is sick and depraved," Karen Pollock, chief executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, said. "For anyone to be in such a position of influence and power beggars belief. I am absolutely appalled."

Stephen Smith, director of the Holocaust Centre, said: "This is an insult to millions of victims, survivors and their families. He should resign from the sport."

However, Bernie Ecclestone, who runs F1, said it was "his business" and that there was no reason for Mosley to be sacked. "Has he in anyway damaged F1? No." Ecclestone brushed aside the Nazi overtones, saying: "Knowing Max, it might be all a bit of a joke rather than anything against Jewish people."

Mosley, 67, whose father created the British Union of Fascists in 1932 and was a friend of Hitler, has dismissed all talk of resignation and intends to be in Bahrain for next Sunday's grand prix.

Sir Stirling Moss, the former world champion racing driver whose father was Jewish, said: "I don't see how he can continue. I hope he can, frankly, because I think he's very good at what he does. I suppose what goes on behind closed doors is his business but when a thing comes out like this... it's an absolute shocker."