The race fixing saga is not yet over. Despite Briatore winning his appeal against his lifetime motor sport ban, the FIA have now announced that they will be appealing the decision.
Last week, the Tribunal de Grande Instance overturned the ban on Flavio Briatore and Pat Symonds for their part in the race fixing scandal claiming that the punishment was ‘irregular’ – although the court did not disagree with the guilty verdict handed to both men.
The FIA have now decided to appeal against the verdict.
“The President of the FIA has consulted the FIA Senate and the FIA’s lawyers about the decision of the Tribunal de Grande Instance de Paris of 5 January,” a statement from the FIA reads.
“It was unanimously agreed that an appeal would be prepared.
“In his election campaign last summer, FIA President Jean Todt and his team announced that new measures for constructive change, including a disciplinary procedure, would be introduced. Work on this is well advanced. Once in place, this will address the issues in the Court’s judgement. Nonetheless, an appeal is merited.
“While the appeal is underway, the World Motor Sport Council’s decision of 21 September 2009 remains in full effect.
“However, in view of the uncertainty that this may create for drivers who may be affected by this decision, the FIA President and FIA Senate have decided that, pending the outcome of the FIA’s appeal, Superlicences will continue to be issued to qualifying drivers in the usual way.
“The FIA President, the FIA Senate, the World Motor Sport Council, and the FIA’s Member Clubs from all countries will take whatever measures are necessary to ensure the continuing integrity and safety of the sport.”
