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Ecclestone doubts FIA will appeal Briatore verdict

Bernie Ecclestone has been speaking his mind at a recent Ferrari press event in Italy © Getty Images

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Bernie Ecclestone doubts the FIA will go through with an appeal against the French court's decision to overturn Flavio Briatore's and Pat Symond's bans from motorsport.

The pair's punishments for their part in conspiring to cause a deliberate accident at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix were reversed last week. The FIA subsequently indicated it would appeal but Ecclestone isn't so sure.

"They have the right to do it [appeal], but I don't know if they will," he said.

The actual wording of the FIA's press release said that "an appeal would be prepared", and that "an appeal is merited". No matter what, the bans will stand until the FIA has explored its options.

On Wednesday Briatore said he was in no rush to return to F1 and reiterated his belief that he has been vindicated by the court's decision.

"F1 will be a long time without Briatore," he said. "I have thanks for a democratic verdict where legality has been restored."

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