Berger tipped to replace scandal-hit Mosley

LONDON, England (CNN) -- Former Formula One driver Gerhard Berger is in the running to replace Max Mosley, the embattled FIA president, if he loses a confidence vote in Paris on June 3, according to reports.

Mosley is battling to keep his position after the UK's News of the World newspaper alleged he took part in an orgy with Nazi-style role play.

The Briton has been attempting to shore up his position ahead of the vote by lobbying the FIA's membership and believes he has the support of nearly half the more than 200 votes that will decide his fate.

Mosley was in the paddock at the recent Monaco Grand Prix -- his first appearance at a race since the newspaper's report.

He kept a low profile, declining interviews, and has vowed to keep out of the limelight if he wins the Paris vote, with his deputies set to take on the more public duties.

However, The Times of London reported on Wednesday that Berger, who now owns half of the Toro Rosso team, had emerged as a candidate to succeed Mosley.

"[Berger] is seen as a more popular option than the front-runner, Jean Todt, the former Ferrari principal," The Times said.

The newspaper also revealed detail of Mosley's court case against the News of the World. Submissions to the High Court in support of Mosley's claim that his privacy had been violated said he had suffered "distress and embarrassment as a result of the article, and in particular the disclosure of this deeply intrusive and personal material," The Times reported.

It has been a tough week for Mosley, with F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone telling motor sport officials in a letter that the FIA needed a "credible and respected president."

All About Max Mosley • Formula One Racing