Bernie Ecclestone who had spoken out against the original FIA decision to give Flavio Briatore an indefinite ban has been giving several interviews following yesterdays Tribunal decision to overturn the ban. Here is a summary of his statements.
‘I said at the time that even murderers don’t get life sentences these days and the court seems to agree,’ he said ‘Flavio is welcome to come back to the paddock. He was a great character in F1 but I am not sure if that is what he wants to do now. I think he will move on from that.It’s good for him but it is not good for the FIA when you read the verdict.’
‘There’s no reason he can’t carry on as a manager if he wants. I didn’t want to see him go in the first place, but it would be difficult for someone who has done something wrong to return in his old job or something similar.’
Regarding FIA plans to appeal he has said that he expects the FIA to press ahead with its appeal plans, but hopes that a further court case can be averted.
‘It’s not over by a long way. Just because a bloody judge has said what he’s said doesn’t make any difference. Nothing’s happened. The court said it was wrong, so the FIA can start all over again with a new hearing, and it will go on and on and on. That’s the worst thing. It would be better if they all get round a table and see what they can do.’
He also believes a further FIA hearing is therefore possible.
‘I guess the FIA will have to appeal and maybe change their rules and bring Flavio and Pat Symonds before them again, which is what I suggested they should do some time ago.We’ll have to see what happens.’
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