14:45 – Bernie Ecclestone will step down as a director of Formula 1's management board with immediate effect, but the 83-year-old is to remain involved in the general running of the sport for the forseeable future. Earlier on Thursday, German prosecutors announced that Ecclestone will face a court hearing in April relating to allegations that he bribed banker Gerhard Gribkowsky during the sale of Formula 1 back in 2006. Although current Formula 1 owners CVC Capital Partners have permitted Ecclestone to continue in his day-to-day role, it has been decided that, for the duration of the trial, he will be absent from the board. A statement issued by Delta Topco Ltd read: "Mr Ecclestone has reassured the board that he is innocent of the charges and intends to vigorously defend the case which will commence in April 2014. "After discussion with the board, Mr Ecclestone has proposed and the board agreed that until the case has been concluded, he will step down as a director with immediate effect, thereby relinquishing his board duties and responsibilities until the case has been resolved. "The board believes that it is the best interests of both the F1 business and the sport that Mr Ecclestone should continue to run the business on a day-to-day basis, but subject to increased monitoring and control by the board. Mr Ecclestone has agreed to these arrangements." Ecclestone's removal from the board means that greater responsibility will be handed to other leading figures. The statement added: "The approval and signing of significant contracts and other material business arrangements shall now be the responsibility of the Chairman, Mr Peter Brabeck-Letmathe, and the Deputy Chairman, Mr Donald Mackenzie."
you have not seen or heard the last of mr ecclestone. as long as he draws breath, he will have a finger in f1. read the article carefully - his absence from the board is only as long as the trial is ongoing. and "The board believes that it is the best interests of both the F1 business and the sport that Mr Ecclestone should continue to run the business on a day-to-day basis, but subject to increased monitoring and control by the board. Mr Ecclestone has agreed to these arrangements."
I agree that through his life he'll be highly influential. I do believe that we'll eventually see a new face for cameras.
Really? - I'd say that's not always the case: ( Ron Dennis re-appointed McLaren CEO in place of Martin Whitmarsh | McLaren | Formula 1 news, live F1 | ESPN.co.uk )
He is 83. Wouldn't surprise me if bit by bit he winds down his commitments. He certainly left big shoes to fill. (Bit of a pun considering his short stature)
Ecclestone steps down from F1 board | Planet F1 | Formula One News "On Thursday, Munich prosecutors confirmed that Ecclestone would face charges of bribery in April. The charges relate to the sale of F1 to CVC in which Ecclestone is accused of paying a bribe to German banker Gerhard Gribkowsky. The 83-year-old insists he is innocent but while the case is continuing has stepped down as a director of Formula One's holding company."
Bernie Ecclestone insists 'there is no change at all' after bribery charges | Formula 1 | Formula 1 news, live F1 | ESPN F1 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."
Bernie remains 'da man'. 'Oh ****, I can't buy , eg, The 'Ring without board approval!? 'Guess I'll just tell 'em where to sign.' Cheers Ian
He is facing ten years in German prison. Ecclestone facing ten years in German prison | News | Motorsport.com
IIRC, he wasn't even 'investigated' at the time..... The rumors came later when he helped out an old buddy who had been convicted. However, & I think I may have told this 'tale' before; One of my uncles owned a shop right down the street from Bernie's 'dealership', and is adamant that it was much better funded than before..... Cheers, Ian
