Banned Briatore returns to circuit

Flavio Briatore has used the Monaco Grand Prix to mark his return to Formula One, and FIA president Jean Todt says that’s OK with the series’ governing body.

Flavio Briatore has used the Monaco Grand Prix to mark his return to Formula One, and FIA president Jean Todt says that’s OK with the series’ governing body.

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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.

Todt tells the Associated Press that Briatore is “free” to mingle inside the paddock since he does not have an “active role” in any motor racing activities.

Briatore was banned for allegedly ordering former team driver Nelson Piquet Jr. to crash at the Singapore GP in 2008, which helped teammate Fernando Alonso win the race.

Briatore lunched with Ecclestone inside the paddock on Friday, a traditional off-day.