By PAUL LOGOTHETISAP Auto Racing Writer
MONACO − Flavio Briatore used the Monaco Grand Prix to mark his return to Formula One, and FIA president Jean Todt said that's OK with the series' governing body.
Briatore is a guest of F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone for the iconic street circuit race. The former Renault team principal is banned from all motor racing activities through 2013.
After lunching with Ecclestone on Friday, Briatore was inside the paddock waving to fans who greeted him with enthusiasm as he made his way back to his boat. It was all fine with Todt.
"What about freedom?'' Todt told the Associated Press when asked about Briatore's presence inside a FIA-santioned event. "I ask you: Does he have an active role in a motor racing championship?''
Briatore is banned from having any operational role in Formula One until 31 December 2012, as well as in all the other competitions registered on the FIA calendars until the end of the 2011 sporting season'' following a settlement reached between the Italian and the FIA in April.
Briatore, who was originally facing a lifetime eviction from motor racing, ``accepted a share of responsibility'' for the deliberate crash by Nelson Piquet Jr. at the 2008 Singapore GP, which Renault teammate Fernando Alonso went to win.
But the fine details of Briatore's current ban are unclear. The FIA told the AP the press release issued on April 12 summarizing the final settlement between the two parties was the only document available to the press.
Under terms of Briatore's original lifetime ban, the Italian was not allowed access to ``FIA-sanctioned events'' with event personnel instructed ``not to permit Mr. Briatore access to any areas under the FIA's jurisdiction.''
Renault said Briatore hadn't visited its team motorhome.
Briatore's 'Force Blue' yacht is docked inside the harbor of the Mediterranean principality, which annually hosts F1's most renowned race.
Friday is a traditional off-day before Sunday's race.
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