The pressure on motorsport boss Max Mosley following accusations about his private life has been increased by car manufacturers Mercedes and BMW.
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They said they "strongly distanced" themselves from the FIA president.
Mosley has apologised for any embarrassment caused, but denied any Nazi connotations to his behaviour.
He has said he will legal action against the News of the World. which first published the allegations on Sunday.
A joint statement from BMW and Mercedes demanded a response from the FIA, which is represents the interests of motoring organisations and car users as well as motorsport.
The statement said: "The content of the publications is disgraceful. As a company, we strongly distance ourselves from it.
"This incident concerns Max Mosley both personally and as president of the FIA, the global umbrella organisation for motoring clubs.
"Its consequences therefore extend far beyond the motor sport industry. We await a response from the relevant FIA bodies."
BMW refused a request by the BBC for further clarification of the statement. A Mercedes spokesman was unavailable for comment.
Japanese car company Toyota, which like BMW and Mercedes is also involved in F1, released its own statement.
It said: "Toyota Motorsport does not approve of any behaviour which could be seen to damage Formula 1's image, in particular any behaviour which could be understood to be racist or anti-Semitic.
"Senior figures within any sport or business, including motorsport, must adhere to high standards of behaviour.
"When all the facts are known, it will be for the FIA to decide whether Mr Mosley has met the moral obligations which come with the position of FIA president."
It is understood Honda is also on the verge of releasing its own statement.
But BBC Sport understands the statement is referring to Mosley's behaviour rather than the newspaper's decision to publish.
Mosley's behaviour is regarded widely as already having reflected badly on Formula One, and many insiders believe the sport will be viewed in a dim light if Mosley continues in his role.
There has also been surprise at Mosley's desire not to step down - and insiders have contrasted it with the behaviour that would be expected of any director of an international company found to have behaved in a similar manner.
(BBC)
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