Alonso May Face FIA Sanction for Briatore Tribute

Yes, he signed a multi-year deal with his dream team Ferrari and consequently secured his future in Formula One, but Fernando Alonso might still face some repercussions related to the famous crash-gate. But don't believe that the 2-time world champion was in any way involved in the Renault race-fixing!

However, after clinching his first podium of the season in the Singapore Grand Prix last weekend, the Spaniard dedicated his and his team's performance to the FIA-disgraced Flavio Briatore. The Italian was handed a lifetime ban by the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) due to his involvement in the race-fixing, and Alonso's tribute to him does not look good in the eyes of the FIA.

“It has been a difficult time for the team. Now we put that behind us and we concentrate on the remaining races. I dedicate this podium to Flavio (Briatore) at home as he is part of the success we had today,” said Alonso after his 3rd place in the Singapore GP.

According to a couple of British publications, Alonso's comments infuriated the FIA, whose president Max Mosley is known to be one of Briatore's most fervent rivals.

“(Alonso) may face censure from the FIA after he upset the governing body,” wrote the Independent, while the Daily Mirror noted that “the words caused furore in the paddock.”

In another report about Flavio Briatore's ban, it has surfaced in the media that F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone voted against the lifetime ban in the WSMC meeting. The information was revealed by Mosley, who also confirmed that not all members of the council were present at the Paris meeting last week.