[sperry]

http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/headline...17180609.shtml

The loss of their jobs may not be the only ramifications faced by Flavio Briatore and Pat Symonds after effectively admitting to race-fixing amid the 'crashgate' scandal, as the FIA's World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) meeting next Monday could result in lifetime bans on the pair.

But according to the Daily Telegraph, a guilty verdict could mean even more dramatic consequences, such as possible extradition to Singapore to face criminal charges for ordering a dangerous and violent incident to take place.

The British newspaper said other lawsuits are also possible, such as one on behalf of Felipe Massa or Ferrari, who might argue they lost the 2008 World Championship because of the events at the Singapore night race. However, such a move on the Italian team's part is unlikely.

The F1 chiefs' employer Renault SA, meanwhile, "may want to sue its former employees for allegedly bringing the company's name into disrepute," the Telegraph added. But specialist sports lawyer Stephen Hornsby said: "Renault are unlikely to want to keep the matter going for little reward."

In addition to his former team boss duties, also in the spotlight are Briatore's separate roles as a driver manager with his own firm FFBB and his co-ownership of the London football club Queens Park Rangers.


The Football League did not comment specifically, but the competition does not allow for an association with "anyone subject to a ban from the involvement in the administration of a sport by a sport's governing body." It is reported that the League is closely monitoring the situation.

The World Motor Sport Council, meanwhile, is tipped to look closely next Monday at the role played in the scandal by Briatore's apparent conflict of interest in being both Nelson Piquet's manager and his team boss.

An insider told the Guardian: "The wider implications for Flavio and others found to have put Piquet in this position, and what sanctions can be brought to prevent this happening again, are likely to be looked at by the WMSC."

As ever, Briatore's close friend Bernie Ecclestone found something ironic to say.

"He told me recently that he didn't want to finish up like me, playing with racing cars at my age," 78-year-old Ecclestone told the Daily Mirror. "So at least he's been saved that embarrassment."

If this whole thing ends with Flavio getting caned in a public square, I'm all for it.