MONTE CARLO, May 22, 2008 (AFP) - Controversial president Max Mosley remained tight-lipped Thursday when he made a low-key return to the Formula One paddock for the first time since being engulfed in a lurid sex scandal.

The 67-year-old Briton, who is president of the sport´s ruling body, the Federation International de l´Automobile (FIA), declined all interviews when he was followed by a possee of journalists.

It was his first major public appearance at Formula One event since London Sunday tabloid newspaper the News of the World published extraordinary claims about his private life.

Mosley was reported to have indulged in a ´Nazi-style´ orgy with five prostitutes in London. Mosley lives in Monte Carlo and had said previously that he would re-appear at the Monaco Grand Prix.

He held several meetings in the FIA motor home early in the morning before returning to his offices in Race Control.

Monaco race organisers said the FIA will be represented at all official functions this weekend by its deputy president Italian Marco Piccinini.

Mosley faces a vote of confidence in his presidency, following the furore over his behaviour and his refusal to resign, at an extraordinary meeting of the FIA general assembly in Paris on June 3.