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Ecclestone insists 'there is no change at all'
Bernie Ecclestone insists his role and influence in Formula One has not changed despite stepping down from the board of the sport's parent company.
The move comes as a result of Ecclestone learning that he will have to stand trial on bribery charges in Germany later this year, which has led to his role running Formula One on a day-to-day basis becoming "subject to increased monitoring". However, Ecclestone says nothing has changed and that he has the full backing of the sport's owners to continue doing his normal work.
"Everbody on the board is more than a million per cent supportive", Ecclestone is quoted as telling the Press Association. "They just want me to get on with doing what I always do. The minute the court case is over then I'll be back on the board again."
Ecclestone remained defiant that his role will be unchanged following the court case if cleared.
"All that's happened is a few months ago we decided that if I had to appear in court, during that period I would stand down from my role as a director of Delta Topco [Formula One's parent company]. For Formula One Management it's the same as before. There is no change at all.
"It's just that if I wanted to buy something I can't do it without board approval, but when it comes to races, circuits, it will be as we've always done. It will be the same thing."
© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
