As the hearing began in front of Judge Peter Noll, Gribkowsky explained how he
had clashed with Ecclestone ever since BayernLB acquired a 47 per cent stake
in Formula
One after the collapse of the Kirch media group in 2002.
BayernLB, the largest shareholder at the time, wanted to reduce Ecclestone’s
control of the business, which provoked tension between the two.
“It was a case of building up pressure to resolve the situation as quickly as
possible”, Gribkowsky said of the tactics he employed. “Being unpleasant to
reach your goal.” Gribkowsky went on to suggest that the two were able to
maintain a civil working relationship. “We put our differences to one side
in a professional way,” he said. “I went with him to races.”
The trial not only threatens Ecclestone’s control of the sport but also his
freedom, with a 10-year jail sentence possible if he is found guilty.
CVC’s co-founder, Donald Mackenzie, said last year in the High Court that
Ecclestone would be fired if he had done anything criminally wrong.
He is charged with bribery and incitement to breach of trust. The alleged
bribes were paid between July 2006 and December 2007.
Gribkowsky’s evidence is expected to last for three more days, resuming next
Tuesday. The trial is scheduled to finish on Sept 16.
Ecclestone is expected to arrive in the Barcelona paddock on Saturday.