Symonds Handed Lighter Ban for Expressing "Eternal Regret"

Although it was initially believed Pat Symonds will be granted immunity if he'll come forward in the crash-gate, the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) decided to ban him from all motor sport activities related in any way to the FIA for a period of 5 years.

“The World Motor Sport Council declares that, for a period of five years, the FIA does not intend to sanction any International Event, Championship, Cup, Trophy, Challenge or Series involving Mr. Symonds in any capacity whatsoever, or grant any license to any Team or other entity engaging Mr. Symonds in any capacity whatsoever,” said the FIA statement.

“It hereby instructs, for a period of five years, all officials present at FIA-sanctioned events not to permit Mr. Symonds access to any areas under the FIA's jurisdiction,” added the release from the ruling body.

In addition, the members of the WMSC explained why they have chosen to hand different penalties to Symonds and Flavio Briatore. While the former was not summoned to appear before the judges on Monday, the Italian boss was asked by the FIA officials to attend the meeting. His unwillingness to cooperate seems to have caused the lifetime ban impose by the FIA, as Briatore did not come to Paris yesterday, nor did he express any regret over what happened in the crash gate.

“In determining that such instructions should be effective for a period of five years the World Motor Sport Council has had regard: to Mr. Symonds’ acceptance that he took part in the conspiracy and to his communication to the meeting of the World Motor Sport Council that it was to his “eternal regret and shame” that he participated in the conspiracy,” added the FIA statement.