Back to Briatore's Future & Ecclestone Comments

[QPR Report]

Guardian Oped - - Marina Hyde
Is Lord Mawhinney fit to take the penalty offered in the Briatore contest?Lord Mawhinney has the chance to disqualify Flavio Briatore under the fit and proper person test – but will he take it?

Even in the grimmest times, we must never stop believing in the possibility of rainbows. And so it is that the dark cloud of Flavio Briatore's banishment from the motor racing firmament might have the silveriest of linings: a legacy project for the beguiling Lord Mawhinney, in whose gift it could be to disqualify the Queens Park Rangers co-owner under the traditionally self-parodic "fit and proper person" test.

During his stint as Football League chairman, his lordship has spoken enticingly of the need to "refresh our product", and what better way to do so than to finally, finally deem the owner of an English club to have failed this least stringent of exams? (In fairness, a single other person has been disqualified in the history of the thing, but that was the Rotherham chairman, Denis Coleman, who despite being a lifelong fan who inherited parlous finances was barred because the club's insolvency was his second, Rotherham having previously been in administration when he was a director.)

Alas, previous of his lordship's attempts to refresh his product have been baffling failures. Cast your mind back to that proposal to eliminate draws by settling league stalemates with penalty shoot-outs. "Managers may hate shoot-outs but fans love them," he explained.

Yet it would not be until he dismissed Sir Trevor Brooking as a mere inept employee that we truly realised Mawhinney's value. "In my fairly long experience of public life and public affairs," he opined, "I don't have much time for people who so publicly criticise their employers.

"Trevor was an iconic footballer," he continued sweetly. "But none of us must assume that because we were very good in one job that we are very good in all jobs."

Indeed we mustn't, and though as a Tory minister Mawhinney was seen as an unlovable but safe pair of hands – a sort of Betamax Dr John Reid – there are those who feel he has yet similarly to distinguish himself as the Football League chairman. And as indicated, the clock is ticking, with the pushing-70 Mawhinney required to relinquish his role by 2011, amid hints he might only last the current season.

The Briatore situation now offers the metaphorical deciding penalty in the frustrating draw of his tenure. If he nails it, then he can leave with his state earnings-related dignity. If he fails … well, it's all going to feel a bit Gelsenkirchen.

How promising a start you view a strongly-worded letter is up to you. But Mawhinney has got his Biro out to request details of the Briatore judgment from the FIA, which has somewhat amusingly failed to use specifically the words "lifetime ban", almost as if it was daring his lordship to put his back into this one. He and his lawyers might be up to the job – but then again the Football League currently confesses itself without a clue as to who the owners of new-money arrivistes Notts County even are, let alone whether they are fit and proper personages. And while the optimist in us all suspects it is probably the Dalai Lama, experience suggests there is the slimmest of chances that the club's Mr Big might be a bit of a cad.

After all, the last club owner to hire Sven-Goran Eriksson was Thaksin Shinawatra, of whose unimpeachable moral standing the Swede was assured after a forensic phone call with another of English football's finest. "It was enough to me to make a call to Sir Dave Richards," Eriksson declared of his method of investigating the mountain of human rights abuse charges made against the former Thai PM. "He [replied]: 'Absolutely clean'."

Still, the lure of easy popularity may spur on our hero politician Mawhinney, who will have noted the support of some of QPR's fanbase. This week, one supporters' group spokesman stated: "There has been talk that the Mittal family would be interested in taking on Flavio Briatore's stake and we now believe it is the right time for him to move on." Well quite. And for those of you beginning to tire of the bovine tendency of affronted English supporters merely to squeal for another foreign billionaire with no discernible interest in football, look at any potential Mittal takeover this way: what could possibly go wrong?

But to clear the way for that edifying rescue package, his lordship must step up to the penalty spot. And though many of us suspect that for all his muscular posturing, he could not hit the target even if the keeper had been taken out by Nelson Piquet Jr, he is hereby wished the best of luck. England expects, and all that.

www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2009/sep/24/mawhinney-briatore-qpr-fit-proper

[ingham]

'What could possibly go wrong?' I hardly know where to begin.

[QPR Report]

Also The Guardian
Bernie Ecclestone: Flavio Briatore's punishment was too harsh• Briatore handled the situation badly, says Ecclestone
• Former Renault boss warned not to go to civil court

Bernie Ecclestone believes the lifetime ban handed to the former Renault team-principal Flavio Briatore for race fixing was too harsh. However, he went on to add that Briatore "handled the whole thing badly" and could have avoided the punishment if he had confessed to his involvement.

"There were three people who knew what was going on and that is it. No one else was involved," said Ecclestone. "Those people have been dealt with – in my view quite harshly in [regards to] Flavio. I don't think it was necessary, but I was on the commission so I am probably just as guilty as anyone else.

"On reflection it wasn't necessary. It was too much. Definitely too much," he added.

Renault's former director of engineering Pat Symonds admitted his involvement in the scandal before the FIA met to rule on the incident that took place at the Singapore grand prix last year. He was given a five-year ban from motor sport and Ecclestone says Briatore could have received a more lenient sentence if he had followed Symonds's example.

"Firstly he [Flavio] was invited to appear [in front of the World Motor Sport Council] and his lawyers wrote and said the FIA have no jurisdiction as far as he is concerned, which was probably right," said Ecclestone "But it was not the right thing to say. It would have been just as easy to say: 'I was caught with my hand in the till, it seemed a good idea at the time, and I am sorry.' There is an organisation that works very, very well on that idea – where the people go to a box and confess.

"Honestly, I am a friend of Flavio's. He has just handled the whole thing badly. He could have handled it in a completely different way, and they would have said, 'you were a naughty boy' and that would have been the end of it," he added.

Ecclestone also warned Briatore not to take the matter to a civil court.

"It would be stupid of Flavio to do that. He should ask to be heard by the court of appeal," he said. "He should appeal to the FIA. If he goes to a civil court I don't think he would win. Because the FIA would have to defend and somebody will say that he sent a young guy out to what could have been to his death. So it wouldn't go down too well."

www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2009/sep/24/flavio-briatore-bernie-ecclestone-formula-one

[QPR Report]

And this (slightly longer) Last sentence!

Racer

Ecclestone: Briatore ban too harsh
Ecclestone: Briatore ban too harsh
Jonathan NobleSeptember 24, 2009 Print Email Font Size: A | A | A

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Bernie Ecclestone thinks Flavio Briatore's lifetime motorsport ban for race fixing was too harsh - but believes the former Renault team principal could have avoided it by owning up to what happened.

Just days after the FIA announced that Briatore would be banned for an indefinite period from any involvement in FIA-sanctioned series for his part in the Singapore Grand Prix race fix, Ecclestone spoke out against the severity of the punishment.

Speaking during a media event with F1 partner LG Electronics in Singapore, Ecclestone said he believed it correct that Renault were given a two-year suspended ban, but that the punishment for Briatore went too far.

"If you look at it sensibly, the people at the top had not the slightest idea," said Ecclestone. "The people in the Renault F1 team had not the slightest idea.

"There were three people who knew what was going on and that is it. No one else was involved. Those people have been dealt with � in my view quite harshly in [regards to] Flavio. I don't think it was necessary, but I was on the commission so I am probably just as guilty as anyone else. On reflection it wasn't necessary."

He added: "It was too much. Definitely too much."

However, Ecclestone suggests that Briatore could have avoided such a draconian penalty if he had owned up to his involvement in the plot � as Renault's former director of engineering Pat Symonds did prior to being handed a five-year motorsport ban.

"Firstly he [Flavio] was invited to appear [in front of the World Motor Sport Council] and his lawyers wrote and said the FIA have no jurisdiction as far as he is concerned, which was probably right.

"But it was not the right thing to say. It would have been just as easy to go � to say: 'I was caught with my hand in the till, it seemed a good idea at the time, and I am sorry.' There is an organisation that works very, very well on that idea � where the people go to a box and confess..."

He added: "Honestly, I am a friend of Flavio's. He has just handled the whole thing badly. He could have handled it in a completely different way, and they would have said, �you were a naughty boy' and that would have been the end of it."

Ecclestone also suggests that Briatore would be wise to avoid taking the matter to civil court if he is unhappy with the punishment.

"It would be stupid of Flavio to do that. He should ask to be heard by the court of appeal," he said. "He should appeal to the FIA. If he goes to a civil court I don't think he would win. Because the FIA would have to defend and somebody will say that he sent a young guy out to what could have been to his death. So it wouldn't go down too well."

Ecclestone also revealed that his friendship with Briatore had been strained by the events of recent days.

When asked for his opinion on how Briatore was handling what had happened, Ecclestone said: "He's not talking to me, I don't know. He thinks I should have defended him, which I couldn't."

This article originally appeared here.
www.racer.com/Ecclestone-Briatore-ban-too-harsh/article/149542/

[Zamoraaaah]

"When asked for his opinion on how Briatore was handling what had happened, Ecclestone said: "He's not talking to me, I don't know. He thinks I should have defended him, which I couldn't."

Expect Bernie and Briatore Bust Up stories in a tabloid near you very soon.

[QPR Report]

As in...!
www.planet-f1.com
l
Ecclestone: I couldn't defend Briatore
Thursday 24th September 2009

Bernie Ecclestone has revealed his friendship with Flavio Briatore has suffered in the wake of the Singapore Grand Prix race-fixing scandal.


Briatore was handed a lifetime ban from all FIA-sanctioned events over his role in the conspiracy which resulted in Nelson Piquet Jr deliberately crashing his Renault in Formula One's first night race last year.


The 59-year-old Italian has also been told no driver he manages will be granted a superlicence - which is required for them to compete in F1 - should they continue to work with him.


F1 supremo Ecclestone, who was part of the 26-man World Motor Sport Council which sat in judgment on Briatore in Paris on Monday, feels the punishment was too severe.


Speaking to Autosport during a media event with F1 partner LG Electronics in Singapore, Ecclestone was asked how former Renault team principal Briatore was handling the situation.


The 78-year-old, who co-owns Coca-Cola Championship side QPR with Briatore, said: "He's not talking to me, I don't know.


"He thinks I should have defended him, which I couldn't."


Ecclestone, however, feels he could have had more influence when it came to the severity of the sanction.


"If you look at it sensibly, the people at the top had not the slightest idea," said Ecclestone.


"The people in the Renault F1 team had not the slightest idea. There were three people who knew what was going on and that is it. No-one else was involved.


"Those people have been dealt with, in my view quite harshly in Flavio.


"I don't think it was necessary, but I was on the commission so I am probably just as guilty as anyone else.


"On reflection it wasn't necessary. It was too much. Definitely too much."


Ecclestone, though, believes Briatore only has himself to blame as he should have admitted his guilt, along with Piquet Jnr and Pat Symonds.


Symonds, the team's former executive director of engineering, was only banned from FIA events for five years after owning up to his part in the conspiracy, and apologising profusely to the Council.


"Firstly he (Briatore) was invited to appear (in front of the WMSC) and his lawyers wrote and said the FIA have no jurisdiction as far as he is concerned, which was probably right," added Ecclestone.


"But it was not the right thing to say. It would have been just as easy to go and say 'I was caught with my hand in the till. It seemed a good idea at the time, and I am sorry.'


"There is an organisation that works very, very well on that idea, where people go to a box and confess.


"Honestly, I am a friend of Flavio's. He has just handled the whole thing badly.


"He could have handled it in a completely different way, and they would have said 'You were a naughty boy' and that would have been the end of it."


Ecclestone will at least do all he can to deter Briatore from taking the matter further as he is understood to be considering legal action.


"It would be stupid of Flavio to do that," asserted Ecclestone.


"He should ask to be heard by the court of appeal. He should appeal to the FIA.

"If he goes to a civil court I don't think he would win because the FIA would have to defend and somebody will say he sent a young guy out to what could have been his death.

"So it wouldn't go down too well."

www.planet-f1.com/story/0,18954,3213_5579850,00.html

[Zamoraaaah]

Wait until The Mail and the red tops twist the story into an exclusive Bernie and Briatore rift.
Also expect certain posters "I heard from a sauce today..blah, blah made up cobblers"

[Markqpr]

I'm waiting for Paul Warburton and the QPR 'insider'.

They are probably down the pub right about now, 'discussing' it!

[QPR Report]

Some have to be extremely careful not to back the wrong horse!

[QPR Report]

Sept 24, 2009 11:44:34 GMT Zamoraaaah said:

Wait until The Mail and the red tops twist the story into an exclusive Bernie and Briatore rift.
Also expect certain posters "I heard from a sauce today..blah, blah made up cobblers"

Daily Mail 24th September 2009

Queens Park Strangers: F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone reveals football club co-owner Flavio Briatore no longer talks to him after 'Crashgate' punishment

Bernie Ecclestone has revealed his friendship with Flavio Briatore has suffered in the wake of the Singapore Grand Prix race-fixing scandal and that the co-owners of Queens Park Rangers are no longer on speaking terms.

Briatore was handed a lifetime ban from all FIA-sanctioned events over his role in the conspiracy which resulted in Nelson Piquet Jnr deliberately crashing his Renault in Formula One's first night race last year.
The 59-year-old Italian has also been told no driver he manages will be granted a superlicence - which is required for them to compete in F1 - should they continue to work with him.
Just let me explain: Bernie Ecclestone feels he could have done more to help Flavio Briatore - but he won't talk to him now
F1 supremo Ecclestone, who was part of the 26-man World Motor Sport Council which sat in judgement on Briatore in Paris on Monday, feels the punishment was too severe.

In Singapore today, Ecclestone was asked how former Renault team principal Briatore was handling the situation.
The 78-year-old, who bought Championship side QPR with Briatore two years ago, said: 'He's not talking to me, I don't know.
'He thinks I should have defended him, which I couldn't.'
Ecclestone, however, feels he could have had more influence when it came to the severity of the sanction.

'If you look at it sensibly, the people at the top had not the slightest idea,' said Ecclestone.
'The people in the Renault F1 team had not the slightest idea. There were three people who knew what was going on and that is it. No-one else was involved.
'Those people have been dealt with, in my view quite harshly in Flavio. I don't think it was necessary, but I was on the commission so I am probably just as guilty as anyone else.
FA whole new ball game: Briatore and Ecclestone prepare to watch QPR
'On reflection it wasn't necessary. It was too much. Definitely too much.'
Ecclestone, though, believes Briatore only has himself to blame as he should have admitted his guilt, along with Piquet Jnr and Pat Symonds.
Symonds, the team's former executive director of engineering, was only banned from FIA events for five years after owning up to his part in the conspiracy, and apologising profusely to the Council.

'Firstly he (Briatore) was invited to appear (in front of the WMSC) and his lawyers wrote and said the FIA have no jurisdiction as far as he is concerned, which was probably right,' added Ecclestone.
'But it was not the right thing to say. It would have been just as easy to go and say 'I was caught with my hand in the till. It seemed a good idea at the time, and I am sorry.'
'There is an organisation that works very, very well on that idea, where people go to a box and confess.
'Honestly, I am a friend of Flavio's. He has just handled the whole thing badly.

'He could have handled it in a completely different way, and they would have said 'You were a naughty boy' and that would have been the end of it.'
Ecclestone will at least do all he can to deter Briatore from taking the matter further as he is understood to be considering legal action.
'It would be stupid of Flavio to do that,' asserted Ecclestone.

'He should ask to be heard by the court of appeal. He should appeal to the FIA. If he goes to a civil court I don't think he would win because the FIA would have to defend and somebody will say he sent a young guy out to what could have been his death.

'So it wouldn't go down too well.'

More...

Read more: www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/formulaone/article-1215794/Queens-Park-Strangers-F1-chief-Bernie-Ecclestone-reveals-football-club-owner-Flavio-Briatore-longer-talks-Crashgate-punishment.html#ixzz0S1awZlQr

[Bushman]

A bit rich coming from Mawhinney who was a shite minister.

[londonranger]

one decision for FA is whether F1 is a sport.

[QPR Report]

Mirror, much the same as other articles. One additional Ecclestone quotes

"...And Ecclestone believes it would be wrong for him to be deemed not "fit and proper" to run Queens Park Rangers. "I'd very much hope that Flavio does not get kicked out of football," he said."


Mirror - Ecclestone: Flavio could have sent Piquet to his death ...
By Byron Young 25/09/2009

F1 COUNTDOWN TO SINGAPORE G.P.

Bernie Ecclestone has slammed Flavio Briatore's lifetime ban from motor racing - despite him sending "a young guy out to what could have been his death."

The F1 ringmaster warned Briatore against taking his case to the civil courts because it would only make matters worse.

As Formula One returns to Singapore, scene of 'Crashgate', for this weekend's Grand Prix, Ecclestone said: "It would be stupid of Flavio to do that.

"If he goes to a civil court the FIA would have to defend and somebody will say that he sent a young guy out to what could have been his death. It wouldn't go down too well."

"He's not talking to me. He thinks I should have defended him, which I couldn't."

Three days after the FIA delivered its verdict on Nelson Piquet's deliberate crash at last year's race, on the orders of his bosses Briatore and Pat Symonds, Ecclestone added: "I'd have banned Flavio for one year. That would have been enough.

"If I were him, I'd go to the FIA court of appeal, and get it overturned. Certainly, the bit about him not being a drivermanager.

That should be looked at.

"The sport needs colourful characters. Flav was one of those. It's a great shame.

"Only three people knew and those people have been dealt with - in my view quite harshly in regards to Flavio.

"I don't think it was necessary, but I was on the commission so I am probably just as guilty as anyone else. On reflection it wasn't necessary. Honestly, I am a friend of Flavio's. He has just handled the whole thing badly. He could have handled it in a completely different way, and they would have said, 'You were a naughty boy' and that would have been the end of it."

And Ecclestone believes it would be wrong for him to be deemed not "fit and proper" to run Queens Park Rangers. "I'd very much hope that Flavio does not get kicked out of football," he said.

Piquet's former team-mate Fernando Alonso again insisted he knew nothing of the crash plan, which saw him benefit from a surprise early pit stop to win the race. "It never crossed my mind once that something was going on," he said. Alonso threatened twice to end his press conference as the 'Crashgate' questions flowed unabated outside the Renault motorhome.

Unanswered questions continue to haunt the team: who is the mysterious Renault team member, known as Witness X, who gave the damning evidence that earned Briatore his lifetime ban?

How could Renault be found guilty and still keep the win? Even if the FIA absolved him of all involvement, how can Alonso not have known anything as three of the people closest to him in the paddock were fixing it so he could win?

Asked what he had to say to those who refused to accept his version of events, he answered: "They can read what the FIA resolution from the hearing said. It's quite clear. They said I had nothing to do with it."

He insisted he still counted it as one of his 21 wins. "Why not? There was a lot of racing still to go after the accident," he added.

Michael Schumacher has tipped Jenson Button for title glory. The former champion said the 14-point gap will be too much for his ex-Ferrari team-mate Rubens Barrichello to overcome in the final four races.

"I'd expect Jenson to win the title. It's very hard to see it being taken away from him now," said Schumacher.

www.mirror.co.uk/sport/motorsport/2009/09/25/ecclestone-flavio-could-have-sent-piquet-to-his-death-115875-21698845/