Max Mosley has launched criminal proceedings in France against the News of the World over reports about his private life.

The president of Formula One's ruling body, the Paris-based FIA, is claiming invasion of privacy and defamation over their allegations that he took part in an orgy with Nazi overtones. If the case is proven, News of the World editor, Colin Myler, could face a custodial sentence.

Mosley's lawyer, Philippe Ouakrat, said: "The newspaper has plumbed the depths with a strategy of extremely violent and targeted attack.

"The intention is clear: destroy Max Mosley as president of the FIA.