Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone says he thinks Flavio Briatore's indefinite ban for race-fixing is too severe.
The ex-Renault boss was punished for his role in ordering Nelson Piquet to crash in 2008's Singapore Grand Prix.
But Ecclestone, who was part of the hearing that dealt with the case, now feels the ban is disproportionate and urged Briatore to appeal against it.
"On reflection it wasn't necessary. It was too much. Definitely too much," said Ecclestone.
"I don't think it was necessary, but I was on the commission so I'm probably just as guilty as anybody."
Ecclestone and Briatore are friends as well as business partners, having bought Championship football side Queens Park Rangers, along with steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, in 2007.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8272812.stm