Briatore: McLaren penalty 'very harsh'

The Italian had said before the FIA hearing on Friday that he wanted the truth to emerge, and he felt that there was now a chance of the sport putting the matter behind it.

When asked by Gazzetta dello Sport whether he thought the verdict was harsh or lenient, he said: "I think it's very harsh. What more could they give to McLaren?"

Expanding on his thoughts he said: "Well, taking away from a team all the points gained this season is a big blow. In Formula One a lot of money is spent, and McLaren has a lot less at their disposal now.

"What was decided by the world council will certainly be a deterrent. But we need to read the evidence, that is the motivation of the verdict. I don't think just the tip-offs emerged, but a lot more.

"The most important thing, however, is that in Paris the truth emerged and a punishment was imposed. There will be a more serene atmosphere in Belgium than at Monza."

Briatore also thought it right that Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso were not punished.

"From now to the end of the season we'll have a nice battle between Hamilton and Alonso. The drivers are not responsible, good or bad they did their job. They almost never know the technical matters."

Former world champion Niki Lauda, who is now a TV commentator, believes that the FIA had no choice but to come down hard on McLaren.

"I've never seen a heavier fine in my life in the entire world of sport, not just in Formula One. The FIA took a very harsh decision with that verdict. But evidently they couldn't do otherwise."

He also backed Briatore's view on the drivers not being punished.

"I feel the logical thing was done because this is a matter concerning mainly what the team have done," he said. "In my opinion the drivers shouldn't have been involved at all.

"A driver takes risks, puts his bravery in and almost never knows what happens behind the garages. It's fine that way."

The FIA is due to publish more details of the hearing later today.