FIA to appeal Briatore verdict

Formula One's governing body will appeal against a French court's decision to overturn a life ban on former Renault team boss Flavio Briatore, the International Automobile Federation (FIA) said yesterday.

"The president of the FIA has consulted the FIA Senate and the FIA's lawyers about the decision of the Tribunal de Grande Instance de Paris of 5 January," a statement said.

"It was unanimously agreed that an appeal would be prepared."

Briatore was banned last September for involvement in a plot to rig the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix by having Brazilian Nelson Piquet crash deliberately, helping team-mate Fernando Alonso win the night race.

The Paris court overturned the decision, ruling the sanction was illegal.

The FIA said the ban on Briatore remained in effect pending appeal but drivers, such as Red Bull's Australian Mark Webber, managed by the Italian would be issued with super-licences as normal.

In September, the FIA had said it would not renew any Superlicence granted to any driver associated with Briatore or any entity linked to him.

The FIA said work was also well advanced on a disciplinary procedure which would ultimately address the issues given in the court's judgment.

"The FIA president, the FIA Senate, the World Motor Sport Council, and the FIA's Member Clubs from all countries will take whatever measures are necessary to ensure the continuing integrity and safety of the sport," it added.

Schumacher test

Michael Schumacher will test a GP2 car at the Jerez circuit in southern Spain this week as part of the seven-times world champion's preparations for a Formula One comeback with Mercedes.

The team and GP2 organisers said yesterday that the 41-year-old German, who retired at the end of 2006 after winning 91 races, will be at the wheel of a development car for the Formula One support series from today to Thursday.

The session, closed to the public, will allow Schumacher to get some important track time before Formula One testing starts on February 1.

It will also help GP2 organisers develop a car due to be introduced next year.

"Michael's input and advice will be invaluable," GP2 organiser Bruno Michel said in a state-ment.

"I am confident that his knowledge and unparalleled driving skills will help us to develop a great car for next season."