From GMM

The FIA on Thursday reacted angrily to media reports about Flavio Briatore's forthcoming appeal against his lifetime ban from motor racing.

The British newspaper The Guardian had quoted from legal documents relating to the November 24 hearing in Paris' Tribunal de Grande Instance.

Among the claims is that the FIA under its former president Max Mosley was "blinded by an excessive desire for personal revenge" in imposing its penalty against the ousted Renault boss.

"The FIA condemns the selective leaking of extracts from Mr Briatore's pleadings", part of a statement issued by F1's governing body, now headed by Jean Todt, said.

"The FIA rejects the allegations made in these leaks and confirms that the decision to impose a sanction against Mr Briatore was made by an overwhelming majority of the attending World Motor Sport Council members," it added. "In respect for the authority of the French court, it would be entirely inappropriate for the FIA to comment further on this matter in advance of the hearing," said the FIA.