Friday September 25, 2009
Life ban on Briatore too harsh, says Ecclestone
SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX
SEPT 25-27
FLAVIO Briatore’s life ban for race fixing was too harsh and the former Renault team boss should appeal to Formula One’s governing body, the sport’s commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone said yesterday.
The Briton said the departure of the flamboyant Italian, banished this week by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) for his role in Nelson Piquet’s deliberate crash at last year’s Singapore Grand Prix, was a loss to the sport.
“In my opinion it was quite harsh on Flavio,” the 78-year-old billionaire, Briatore’s friend and business partner, told reporters over lunch in Singapore.
“I don’t think it was necessary, but I was on the (FIA) commission so I am probably just as guilty as anyone else. On reflection it wasn’t necessary.”
Ecclestone nodded when asked if Formula One would miss Briatore.
“Absolutely ... We need people like him. It was too much.”
Ecclestone urged Briatore to appeal to the FIA but steer clear of any legal action.
“He should ask to be heard by the court of appeal. He should appeal to the FIA,” he said. — Reuters
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