MrEcclestone admitted that he had made the payment, but he denied that something was wrong. Anyway, the payment made by the F1 supremo put Gribkowskybehind bars.

It is said, that in order to avoid jail, Ecclestone can be ordered to pay about 300m euros even if he admits his guilt. Moreover, the company owning F1 - CVC Capital Partners - has been strongly advisednot to continue with Ecclestone at the head.

The trial starts on Thursday and it is expectedto last for about five months.