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Flavio Briatore plotting F1 return?

ESPNF1 Staff
May 24, 2010 « Goodwood drivers confirmed | »
Reports suggest that Flavio Briatore is plotting his return © Getty Images
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Flavio Briatore's recent presence in the Monaco paddock could well have been a mixture of both business and pleasure, according to reports.

Although Briatore is banned from working in Formula One until 2013 for his part in the Crashgate scandal, he may already be planning his return. Finland's Turun Sanomat reports that Briatore held "subtle negotiations" with F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone in Monaco earlier this month and he was again present during the Monaco Grand Prix weekend.

The article said that although 79-year-old Ecclestone is not planning to retire, he does intend to delegate some of his responsibilities and "sees Briatore as a natural successor".

Turun Sanomat also cites British sources as saying Briatore will shortly be responsible for the acquisition of new sponsors with the Ecclestone-led Formula One Management. Ecclestone said last month that his personal friend and business partner could soon "take up a role in the promotion of formula one".

No stranger to controversy, Briatore recently had his $25 million yacht seized by Italian police over allegations he owes several million dollars in unpaid taxes.

Aside from unpaid tax which largely results from chartering the boat, which has a crew of 17, at $300,000 a week, it is also claimed it refuelled in EU waters without paying VAT which could total as much as one million dollars.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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