Ecclestone Hinted that Briatore Might Return to F1

Bernie Ecclestone did not dismiss the possibility of one day seeing Flavio Briatore back in the Formula One paddock. While insisting that giving his good friend and business associate an F1 pass nowadays is out of the question, Ecclestone said that the 69-year old Italian might return to racing if he'll manage to prove his innocence.

As confirmed by the president of the International Automobile Federation (FIA) Max Mosley, Ecclestone was one of the few people that voted against a lifetime ban for the former Renault boss, for his involvement in the crash gate. Accused of fixing the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, Briatore was excluded from all FIA-sanctioned competitions, not only F1.

However, when asked to share his thoughts on the aforementioned scandal, Ecclestone publicly admitted that he believes Briatore when he states his innocence.

“He denied it and said, 'That's absurd!' I believed him,” revealed the F1 boss, while also urging his friend to come forward with any evidence that he might have that will prove his innocence.

“If Flavio has new evidence – and he said that he has – then he should come forward right away,” added Ecclestone. In addition, when asked if he believe he'll see Briatore in the F1 paddock in the near future, the 78-year old Brit answered: “Who knows?”

Last month, soon after learning about the FIA verdict in the crash gate, Briatore hinted he may sue the international body for damaging his image and also appeal the verdict in a civil court. In addition, he said he'll have a big party when confirmed innocent, at which he'll invite all those who have been near him in these difficult times.