FIA investigates Briatore remarks

Flavio Briatore could be summoned to appear in front of the World Motor Sport Council next week, after the FIA said it was reviewing his latest criticism of Formula One

The Renault team chief accused the sport's authorities for 'fixing' the championship outcome in favour of rivals Ferrari.

"Compared to what is happening in Formula One, 'calciopoli' just makes me smile," Briatore stated, referring to the Italian football scandal which resulted in leading club Juventus, owned like Ferrari by the Fiat group, being demoted to the second division as punishment.

Subsequently, an FIA spokesman told reports at Monza: "The comments attributed to the Renault team principal have been noted by the FIA and are under consideration."

According to the regulations, the FIA can summon any competitor, including drivers and team members, for a hearing if he "fails to operate his team in a manner compatible with the standards of the Championship or in any way brings the Championship into disrepute."

If found guilty, the FIA can go as far as excluding the competitor from the championship.

In 1997, then Williams driver Jacques Villeneuve was summoned in front of the World Motor Sport Council after making disparaging remarks on Formula One's competitiveness following a series of rule changes. The Canadian was let off with a reprimand.

Briatore, who has been vocally critical of the FIA since the governing body banned the mass dampers system mid-season, could be summoned to the upcoming WMSC meeting, scheduled for September 19.

The extraordinary meeting was already scheduled, to consider a controversial podium presentation at the Turkish Grand Prix in Istanbul last month.