Briatore blocked as possible successor - Ecclestone

Bernie Ecclestone has revealed that "blocks" have been placed on his preferred successor. The apparent lack of a succession plan for the 85-year-old Briton has long been an issue, but supremo Ecclestone says his main suggestions were "thrown out". "There are a million people who think they can do it, but it is an urgent case of finding the right one," he told the Daily Star Sunday newspaper.

The matter may now have returned right to the top of the agenda, with Ecclestone revealing to the Mail on Sunday that CVC is poised to sell F1. "Actually, two of the people have agreed the price," he said. "It's just a question of whether CVC wants to sell or not."

But as for who might one day run the sport in Ecclestone's wake, the diminutive billionaire says his preferred nomination has been ruled out. "I would love Flavio (Briatore) to come back," he told the Star, referring to the flamboyant former Renault team boss who left F1 in disgrace after the 'crashgate' scandal. "But there are blocks on him and that is so sad and a great loss to F1," Ecclestone added. (GMM)