German prosecutors charge Ecclestone with F1 bribe

Ecclestone says he told Aston Martin to sign Vettel
15 May 2013 by    1 min read
Sebastian Vettel becomes 2012 F1 drivers Champion at Brazilian GP

Sebastian Vettel & Bernie Ecclestone

German prosecutors have charged Bernie Ecclestone with bribery, the Suddeutsche Zeitung newspaper reports in its Wednesday edition.

Earlier, the newspaper said the officials had completed their long investigation into the F1 chief executive's role in the Gerhard Gribkowsky corruption affair.

"Munich has filed charges against Bernie Ecclestone," Wednesday's article reads, adding that one of the charges is the "serious" offense of bribing a public official.

The case will surround the 82-year-old's confirmed payment of $44 million to jailed former F1 banker Gribkowsky, surrounding the sale of the sport to CVC some years ago.

"The bribery allegations could cost Ecclestone his job as formula one boss," said the Suddeutsche Zeitung, adding that the district court will now decide whether or not it hears the case.

If it does, a trial is tipped to take place this year.

Briton Ecclestone claims Gribkowsky blackmailed him.

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