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Ecclestone keen to see Mosley return to FIA

Bernie Ecclestone wants to see Max Mosley back in Formula One © Sutton Images

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Bernie Ecclestone would like to see Max Mosley return to Formula One in a new role within the FIA.

Former-FIA president Mosley opted not to stand for re-election last year and backed current president Jean Todt to office. Ecclestone, who is a long-term friend of Mosley and worked closely with him to build his F1 empire, said in a recent ESPNF1 interview that he would like Mosley to return.

"Yeah, I didn't want him to go," he said. "It would be nice to have him back."

Earlier this month the Italian website 422race.com reported that Mosley was planning a coup to reduce the power of Todt in the FIA. While the report was widely panned, it did spark speculation as to why such a rumour was started.

422race.com said the alleged call-to-arms was a response to planned changes to statutes to make the FIA more democratic as well a disagreement over the future direction of Formula One.

Apart from the sporting regulations, which will likely see smaller capacity turbo engines return to F1, the future of the sport's commercial rights - run by Ecclestone - also need to be finalised before Formula One Management's 100-year lease - agreed under Mosley's reign - dovetails with a new Concorde Agreement with the teams in 2013.

When asked what capacity Mosley might return in, Ecclestone said: "We could go back to the FIA and FISA. Max could be president of the FIA looking after Formula One and Jean could be president of FISA running the sporting side."

And when asked how the teams would react to Mosley's return, Ecclestone said: "I don't think the teams would mind. If you ask anyone now, if Max came back as president of the FIA would they complain? I think they'd say no."

However, Ecclestone said he also wants a new period of peace with Todt.

"We want to work well together into the future," he said.

Todt, meanwhile, said the rumours about the coup had been exaggerated.

"This season has shown that I am interfering as little as possible," the FIA president said. "And If Mosley offers me his advice, this will also be welcome."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.