MUNICH (AP) — Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone has rejected accusations of bribery as his trial opened in Germany — telling a Munich court that the German banker at the center of the case didn’t tell the truth.
Ecclestone said in a statement read out in German by his lawyers Thursday that he was “grateful” to be able to give his side of the story.
The 83-year-old Ecclestone is charged with bribery and incitement to breach of trust, and could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted. The charges involve a $44 million payment to banker Gerhard Gribkowsky, who is serving an 8½-year sentence for taking the money.
Gribkowsky is expected to be the main witness. Ecclestone said the banker didn’t tell the truth.
