According to FIA, this was in the best interests...

FLAVIO Briatore will be allowed to return to Formula One in 2013 after the sport’s governing body today agreed to end a lifetime ban against the former Renault team principal.

According to International Automobile Federation (FIA), a settlement has been reached to end legal proceedings against the Italian. Briatore and former Renault Head engineer, Pat Symonds whose five year ban was also removed, were barred in September for involvement in “crashgate” to rig the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix.

According to FIA, each man had recognized his share of responsibility for the deliberate crash in Singapore, expressed regrets and apologized. They have undertaken to abstain from having any operational role in Formula One until December 31, 2012 as well as in all other competitions registered on the FIA calendars until the end of 2011 sporting season.

FIA’s World Motor Sport Council banned them after deciding both had played a part in ordering driver Nelson Piquet to crash to bring out the safety car and help hi teammate, Fernando Alonso, win. According to FIA, this was in the best interests to end a dispute prejudicial to the image of the sport.