Formula One news

Ecclestone: Briatore life ban is harsh

FOM's Bernie Ecclestone has spoke out to defend Flavio Briatore and has urged the Italian to appeal against a 'harsh' decision that bans him from any FIA motorsport championship for life.

Ecclestone, F1 commercial rights holder, told Reuters on Thursday: "In my opinion, it was quite harsh on Flavio". The Briton also explained how the former Renault Team Principal had apologised and said that his dismissal was a loss to motorsport at large. "We need people like him. It was too much."

Ecclestone and Briatore, fellow co-owners of Queens Park Rangers football club

However, Mr. Ecclestone did admit that, had Briatore handled the situation differently, the outcome may have been more lenient. "I am a friend of Flavio's but he has handled the whole thing badly," Ecclestone continued. "He could have handled it in a completely different way... and that would have been the end of it."

Ecclestone then gave a suggestion on the course of action Briatore could now take if he wishes to return to F1 or motorsport in any capacity. "If he goes to a civil court...the FIA would have to defend and somebody will say that 'He sent a young guy (Nelson Piquet Jr.) out to what could have been his death.' That won't go down too well, I wouldn't think."

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