PlanetF1

Ecclestone maintains his innocence

Thursday 03-January-2013 08:26

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has maintained his innocence after he was accused of paying a large bribe to German banker Gerhard Gribkowsky during the sale of Formula 1 to private equity firm CVC in 2006.

The 82-year-old has insisted that he will remain in charge of F1 for years to come, but recently explained that he transferred the money to Gribkowsky - who has been jailed since - after he threatened to supply HM Revenue & Customs with tax information.

Nevertheless, Ecclestone is certain that the situation won't result in him appearing in court.

"I would be (worried) if I was guilty, but I'm not!" Ecclestone told Italy's Corriere della Sera.

"Are they trying to entrap me? I don't know and I don't care! All I know is that people try anything when money is involved! It won't get to me appearing in court.

Ecclestone also reacted a to comments Ferrari boss Luca di Montezemolo made, during which the Italian urged him to quit his role F1 management position.

"Montezemolo is still a friend and I'm convinced that he didn't really intend to say the things he said about me, about my age and my ability to continue to work," Ecclestone said of the 65-year-old.

"I'm happy - it's just 'role playing'!"

The Brit has been involved with the organization of F1 since 1978.