EXCLUSIVE! Grand prix hero Emerson Fittipaldi has told Eurosport that Max Mosley should step down as the head of the FIA because his sexual indiscretions have overshadowed motor sport, while sharing his thoughts on the upcoming record of Rubens Barrichello.

Fittipaldi, winner of the Formula One drivers" title in 1972 and 1974, said he had nothing against the Briton, but he ought to stand down instead of fighting tooth and nail for his position.

"I think that his private life does not affect his presidency of the FIA, but it interferes globally for the sport," he commented.

"Unfortunately it has damaged the image of motor sport and he should consider leaving his position.

Asked for his personal experience of Mosley, who was caught engaging in a sexual role-play with five prostitutes that reportedly included aspects of mock-Nazism, he replied: "I always had a very good relationship with Max. He's a very normal guy, and he works very hard."

During the interview, Fittipaldi, now 61, was accosted by his two young grandchildren, visiting Britain from their home in the United States.

Shaking his head, he laughed about their fledgling careers in racing, highlighting the five-year-old's experience in particular: "He is crazy: he races 125cc already. He scares me! Racing is in their blood, I suppose."

In contrast, this weekend Fittipaldi's Brazilian countryman Barrichello, 35, will become the most experienced driver to have competed in the sport.

"I think it's incredible to be able to race for so many years and in so many grands prix," Fittipaldi said.

"I talked to him on the phone last week. He asked me how I was at the end of my career, because my last win came when I was 48, and what is he? Only 35, 36?

"I told him I was fine. He can go on for many more years if he wants to, as long as he has the passion."

Jonathan Symcox / Eurosport