Comments on: Briatore and Symonds head to court

By: John Darnell

John Darnell — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:43:38 +0000

In professional organised sport, manipulating a result by cheating is punishable by exclusion, Horse Racing and more recently Rugby for example. Criminal action where appropriate has also been taken against the perpetrators where there has been financial gain.
There is no denial that Flavio Briatore and Pat Symonds were guilty of organising an incident to the benefit of Renault’s leading driver. The result has implications beyond the immediate race apart from the appalling safety question .

Why does Ecclestone feel the punishment too severe? As he has access to almost all that happens on the track we can only ask what else has occurred in the past few years that reduces the gravity of the incident?

The conduct of several of the principals both of FIA and FOTA have brought Formula 1 into disrepute in recent years and we should hope that 2010 will return it to the pinnacle of the sport.a

By: Andy D

Andy D — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:38:42 +0000

Only someone as vulgar as Briatore would even commence such an action. Doesn’t he get the message that F1 is a better place without him? Just ask the new World Champion…….

As for Symonds, I would have thought an intelligent tactician would have known better than to fall for such a crazy plan.

By: John Cook

John Cook — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:24:02 +0000

Though I’m not a huge fan of Flavio, just the fact that he was quoted as saying of Mosley ‘he is clearly blinded by an excessive desire for personal revenge’ is enough for me to back him all the way.
Finally someone is telling it like it is..!

By: Stephen Stuart

Stephen Stuart — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:32:22 +0000

For me it is obvious – Flavio is persuing this action to protect his other sporting investments – particularly those in soccer. I doubt he seriously wants to return to the F1 field in any shape, maybe other than as a manager, as he realises he is really tainted goods now. But his ability to develop a future is under attack – if the FIA ruling stands he has to lose his investment and position in soccer – if he successfully challenges the ruling – and he has good solid grounds to do so – then he can safeguard his investment. This is what I believe underpins his action.
Pat Symonds needs Flavio to get the ruling overturned so that he can get some form of employment in FIA sanctioned events.
Whatever the antecedents to this story, no-one comes out clean and Flavio’s action refers to process not outcome.

By: Alan Dalton

Alan Dalton — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:26:02 +0000

While I think it is right that Flavio and Pat should be punished in some way, I personally would love to see them settle a few scores publicly with Max and his timid cronies. The whole ‘crashgate’ affair sums up the Mosley regime’s arbitrary, vindictive and spiteful modus operandi. Lifetime ban for Flav, no punishment at all for the guy who came up with the idea. Renault were originally given a one race ban for failing to secure Alonso’s wheel properly in Hungary yet went unpunished for cheating by causing an accident. Renault also went unpunished for holding data belonging to another team, unlike McLaren, who probably have a hundred million reasons to feel aggrieved about that one.

Despite Max’s support for Jean Todt, I really do hope that he guide’s the FIA on a better course and restores some respectability.

By: Andy

Andy — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 21:43:17 +0000

I’m sure Briatore was on Mosleys hit list – but, nonetheless I wish he would just go away. I think F1 is perfectly capable of a surviving without the likes of Briatore, Mosley or the Piquets (Jr or the charming Sr) thank you!

By: Kevin

Kevin — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:59:42 +0000

Just a thought while Renault are up for discussion, and apologies for skewing the subject matter here.

Next season we will have manily British teams, and one of the (3) remaining manufacturers is French. Two very important target markets.

Now, remind me again which Grands Prix are possibly / definitely not taking place next year……???

As for Flav and the thoroughly decent Pat Symonds, I genuinely wish them luck – they will need it.

By: chris brooke

chris brooke — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 11:30:11 +0000

it is sadly interesting that all too quickly this forum has focused on the political not the sport not the individual certainly not us the fans- i have such loathing for these ‘people’ who none of us appear to want but have been lumbered with and have no say in their continued misuse of their power you know if there is a magic wand out there somewhere would’nt it be nice for moseley et al to disapear up their collective egos – apart from Pat, again interesting how much support he has- me included – had the pleasure of meeting him once at silverstone – great guy, respected – have no respect for these others – Nic you’re quite right when has there ever been morals in F1? i certainly don’t know of a time,1930′s propaganda, 1950′s Italian machevellian scheming, possibly the early to late 60′s before the money returned? possible

By: Nic Shaw

Nic Shaw — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 10:11:40 +0000

When did “morals” last have any significance in the management/manipulation of Formula 1? Sadly decisions seem to be made on a purely financial basis. e.g the risk of Renault pulling out is too high because they take a lot of money with them, not to mention thousands of French F1 fans who help to line the pockets of BE and the shareholders of the holding company.
What is needed is: 1. For the manufacturers to take control; there can be no F1 without them. 2. For a complete overhaul of all the technical rules to take place so that GP can once again become an environment where the designers are able to research and develop automotive engineering in all its forms.
3. That a set of basic safety rules be formulated so that F1 remains at least as safe as it has become.
I believe that this would attract money from industry who would gain a research and development facility in return for investment.
In the meantime I will continue to enjoy the whole soap opera that F1 has become and try to remember that the racing is supposed to be more fun than the antics that surround it.
Having got all that off my chest I now feel much better!

By: Rupert

Rupert — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 09:52:05 +0000

Does FIA stand for Fuhrer Ist Alive?

By: Kenny

Kenny — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 06:58:00 +0000

I apologize for the tortured syntax in my previous comment…the point is clear, I hope…

By: Kenny

Kenny — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 03:59:33 +0000

I don’t think a “moral victory” is at stake here. That Briatore and Mosely are base characters with no integrity is a given. What we will get, hopefully, is a revelation that is both official and public of just how deep in the slime Max and his FIA were capable of wallowing.

By: Rich Ambroson

Rich Ambroson — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 03:25:28 +0000

Count me as one among many who have never been big fans of Briatore (while respecting the abilities he does bring to the teams he’s worked with), but one who is definitely in his corner on this one.

As has also been expressed in relation to all this, it is indeed a huge shame that FOTA didn’t completely split from the FIA and Bernie’s current paymasters.

By: John Saviano

John Saviano — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:12:31 +0000

While I am deeply disappointed in “what appears to be the facts” in the Renault case from last year, I fully support Mr Briatore in his lawsuit against the FIA. Anything that overturns, or at least damages, their imperious attitude is a good thing for F1. Their personal vendetta against Ron Dennis, then Flavio Briatore, has been disgusting.

By: Greg Power

Greg Power — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 22:44:25 +0000

I think folks are letting their distaste for Max and Bernie get in the way of their better judgement. If we really value the reputation of the sport, Flavio and Pat got what they deserved. If you cheat by condoning a dangerous crash on the track you have lost your ethical compass and do not belong in the sport. Neither does Piquet but that will happen as well, but through the natural balance of things. A line has to be drawn somewhere and the consequences need to mean something. I’ll miss them because they did a lot for the sport but seriously I don’t support people who take something I have loved all my life and drag it through crap for a cheap result.

By: John Read

John Read — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 22:24:28 +0000

On a practical note, before Flavio goes to court again, he at the very least should go and get a sensible haircut.

By: John Pugh

John Pugh — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:42:30 +0000

Young Piquet did something effective but unacceptable. He pursued his own interests at the expense of others (e.g. Felipe Massa who even knew about it at the time of his most dignified acceptance of defeat in Brazil 2008). Piquet junior put himself ‘above the law’. He decided that his ends justified the most unacceptable means.

What beats me is why the FIA just let him off with immunity for his testimony. They knew they needed a new President at the time. How could anyone else, (Ari, Jean, Macchiavelli’s multi-great grandsons), ever be more qualified for the job than Piquet Junior? A man after their own heart with a leadership potential of half a century. What a chance Max & Co missed!

Good luck Pat – and , I never thought I would hear myself saying this, but – good luck Flav.

Sincerely
John Pugh

By: Andrew Wilkins

Andrew Wilkins — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:11:54 +0000

Dear Nigel,
What seems to be overlooked is that, while these massive egos – I don’t include the thoroughly decent if misguided Pat Symonds in this – are being stroked and manicured, our beloved sport is once again about to be dragged into the mud. Messrs. Mosley & Briatore are equally loathsome characters in my view and neither should be allowed to win the moral battle. Neither has any shame or any honour; all they’ve ever been interested in is self-aggrandisement & personal bullying power over others. They don’t care a jot about motor racing or anything but themselves. Pat Symonds IS a decent man whom I hope can rise again to the heights he once scaled and put this grisly shameful business firmly behind him.
So far as Mosley & Briatore are concerned, my hope is that they get all that is coming to them, but then I am by nature an optimist!
We now have Jean Todt as President of the FIA and his sycophantic praising of “President Mosley” just makes my blood boil. I truly believe our sport has reached the pits and hope that somehow we can pull ourselves out of it, despite all the odds being stacked against honourable sportsman.
Truly,
Andrew Wilkins

By: Mike Mapperson

Mike Mapperson — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:07:04 +0000

I agree that Briatore and earlier, Ron Dennis were obviously ostracised from F1 because they too often publicly disagreed with Max and Mosley can be vindictive.

However I find it difficult to empathise with Flavio, who presided over the most blatant and deliberate incident of cheating and race-fixing in recent F1 history.

As for Symonds, he is a clever man and he took a decision to go along with the “cheat”. That decision was between “do I take the job I have now and compromise my principles (assuming he had principles) or do I take a moral stand and protect my reputation in this sport until I retire?”

Symonds took the easy way out at the time. He gambled his future (he had seen what happened to Stepney and Coughlan) and lost.

Again I can feel no sympathy, just because he is challenging a decision made or led by the odious Mosley.

By: Hugo Pring

Hugo Pring — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:06:36 +0000

I never particularly warmed to Flavio as I felt he was implicated in Schumacher’s Launch Control software cheat for Benetton as well as the Adelaide crash with Damon Hill. However I felt that his punishment smacked of as much arbitrary score-settling as the Mclaren $100m fine in 2007. I wonder if he wins his case, particularly in respect to the suspension of natural justice, will Mclaren go down the same route?

The quasi-”democracy” of the FIA makes me sick. (How could I vote for Ari Vatenen as a road-user here in the UK??!!). Corrupt power corrupts absolutely. I agree that it is a shame that the FOTA breakaway collapsed just when it seemed they held all the aces and when the history is written, it will be fascinating to find out why that happened. Still I wish Flav all the best in his law case as sooner or later, the FIA needs to be reminded that it is a sporting body, not some kind of supra-national dictatorial authority with its own court, unwritten set of punishments, and private jet of course! If anyone is accusing anyone of corruption and unsuitability to govern, the FIA ought to be far more in the firing line than Flav!!!

By: Adrian Muldrew

Adrian Muldrew — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:03:59 +0000

Over at Nigel R’s alma mater, Autosport, they are reporting that the FIA has attacked the leaking of legal papers from which Briatore’s comments about the WMSC’s “desire for personal revenge” are quoted.

“The FIA condemns the selective leaking of extracts from Mr Briatore’s pleadings to the Tribunal de Grande Instance in Paris,” says the official statement from on high.

I honestly don’t know whether to get very angry or just roll about laughing. This is the same organisation from which someone was selectively, systematically and repeatedly leaking evidence in the run-up to the WMSC hearing in question, certainly to undermine the defendants’ case and also, in the view of various well-informed commentators, cynically to time those leaks to coincide with major campaign pushes by Ari Vatanen and thereby drown him out.

This is the new face of the FIA apparently, but it seems that in the Jean Todt era, just as in the Max Mosley era, they is no change inasmuch as they are still intent on taking us all for fools. You’d think that the team of spin doctors had remained entirely the same, wouldn’t you?

By: ADIL JAL DARUKHANAWALA

ADIL JAL DARUKHANAWALA — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:37:02 +0000

For all of Favio’s absolute flaws, they seem insignificant compared to those committed – in the name of the law and the spirit of fair play – by the FIA and Max Mosley and his cronies. Maybe the gestapo needs to be looking within rather than outside so that racing is yet done on a knife edge but the rules don’t need to cut up many to prop up a few. In case this is done and also seen to be done then we could really be getting on with the pedal to the metal character we all seem to long for.

By: Julian Mills

Julian Mills — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:22:44 +0000

Lets remember that Flav was always talking about the show, and making it more entertaining – looks like a court room drama coming up.
Just imagine who might play the roles in the TV drama in a few years time?
Ricky Gervais for Flav?
Stephen Fry for Pat Symonds?
Kilroy Silk as Max Moseley?

By: Lol

Lol — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:21:29 +0000

I hope that the French court uphold the ban on Briatore…. not fit to head any sporting body.

By: David M. Kane

David M. Kane — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:16:58 +0000

I’m not a lawyer and I know nothing about French law;
but even an American dimwit such as myself understands the concept of “due Process”.

This mess reeks of “insider trading”, bully politics and a King who won’t go quietly.

Dave Kane
Scottsdale, Arizona USA

By: Andrew Rawlins

Andrew Rawlins — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:11:51 +0000

Could there be a connection between this court case and Renault’s delayed decision on their F1 future? Maybe Flavio has an option to acquire the team, but first needs to get his ban overturned..!

By: Peter Rippon

Peter Rippon — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:00:47 +0000

Agree completely with the two comments above. Consider also how quickly Ecclestone jumped to the other side against his so called friend!
The greatest tragedy is that FOTA did not have the guts to break away, all this nonsense of Ecclestone & Mosely (still calling the shots)would now be long behind us!

By: Bryan Hills

Bryan Hills — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:59:32 +0000

I am not surprised that FLAV is suing the FIA, but also his old chum and sole mate and bed mate, Bernie is in his sights. Briatore is tied in with Ecclestone in a few financial deals, especially Queens Park Rangers football club.

By: Simon Hird

Simon Hird — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:49:00 +0000

He did seem to be on a ‘hit list’ once they had driven Ron Dennis out of the sport. I wish him and Pat Symonds – a decent man caught up in this mess – the very best of luck righting this injustice.

By: Pat O'Brien

Pat O'Brien — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:54:37 +0000

Perfect. Just as we are about to enter the slow months for F1 news, Flav grabs the headlines with the inevitable lawsuit! No sport can compete with the intrigues of F1.