Apr.22 (GMM) Luca di Montezemolo has only tentatively backed Ferrari colleague Jean Todt's full backing of the embattled FIA president Max Mosley.

Montezemolo, the Maranello based marque's Italian president, commented on the fallout of the sex scandal in the pages of sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport on Tuesday.

"Objectively, I think it will be difficult for him to stay," the 60-year-old said in an interview.

Montezemolo, however, acknowledges the dilemma about the prospect of Mosley's departure.

"Should he withdraw from the FIA, the federation would need a successor with the same experience, competence, character and balance," he added.