Ecclestone: « No Flavio Briatore until he proves his innocence »

Bernie Ecclestone stated that Formula 1 will not see Flavio Briatore any time soon, unless he finds a way to prove his innocence. Last month, the former head of the Renault F1 Team was banned for life by the FIA from all activities related to the automotive world, due to his role in the race cheating incident in Singapore last year – the Crashgate scandal. The Italian, however, has always protested and claims he is innocent, even going so far as to say that one day the truth will come out.

But until this happens, Ecclestone – the financial manager of F1 – states that he will not be allowed to enter the F1 paddocks.

« Who knows? » he says, when asked if we will ever see Flavio Briatore again. « For the moment, no, because the verdict does not allow him to attend races. If you see things differently, that’s your personal opinion. The verdict for now is as it is. » continues Bernie Ecclestone

« There would be no interest for Flavio in attending races. Everyone in the paddocks would look at him as the guy who cheated. Why would he want to go through that confrontation? » adds the F1 financial boss.

Bernie Ecclestone also revealed that he will be able to say no if asked to vote in favor of Flavio Briatore, adding, until proven otherwise, that he is innocent. When asked if this will ever happen, Bernie Ecclestone stated:

« If there is clear evidence that he is innocent, of course… »

But if Flavio Briatore is innocent, then who is the culprit? The Briatore/Piquet case doesn’t seem ready to close…