Thanks and I reckon (hoping) having read Michael's previous threads and good points that he like the vast majority of us take the view you've just expressed. If you cheat then you have to face the consequences whether it's a fine, ban, points deducted etc. As I said in a thread yesterday, Ecclestone reckons Briatore should be let back in and the ban is way too harsh. Well he would say that wouldn't he. I say what he did was cheating of a new extreme, reckless at best and potentially fatal at worst. As I also said, if that had happened in a karting championship where a driver pulled over or came off to allow his team-mate to gain the win or points - there would be an almight uproar and too right. Alas rules as they stand probably result in a weak punishment. Going back to Christo, as I understand/remember it he was banned for 9 months at the end of his karting career when it all came to light. By then he had won S1 and this and that. Oh and for any amateur lawyers out there I'm NOT suggesting he was cheating before he got found out. As we know - it is/was all circumstantial! So in his case the �35k+vat fine for Dad was peanuts and his ban did not make a jot of difference.
But I can't wait for the Brundle/Ecclestone interview on the grid on Sunday. Maybe it will go something like this:
MB: 'so Bernie - how does F1 recover from this?' BE: 'oh it's nothing more than a storm in a tea-cup. These things die down as quickly as they flare up. We've been here before so it's no big deal!'
MB 'ok but what about the Flavio situation? I've read you quoted as saying his ban is too harsh and he should appeal. What sort of message do you think that sends to the fan, sponsors and other teams etc?' BE 'listen. He's done a great deal for the sport and we shouldn't let one mad moment ruin that. I think he will be back and the sport will be better off when he is. Give it a couple of months and no one will be talking about it you'll see.'
Birds of a feather...
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