F1 CEO BERNIE ECCLESTONE is considering hiring leading spin doctor RICHARD WOODS "as he fights to maintain control of Formula One," according to Paul Weaver of the London GUARDIAN. Woods "has been regarded as F1's foremost media adviser since his time as the FIA's director of communications," when he worked alongside former F1 President MAX MOSLEY between '02 and '09. If Woods, who helped establish the FIA Foundation in '01, does join forces with Ecclestone, "his role is likely to be wider than the mere flotation of the sport." Ecclestone does need help, "if only to smooth over his gaffes" (GUARDIAN, 11/29). The BBC reported Ecclestone "could face a fresh court battle over F1's bribery scandal." German bank BayernLB has "applied for access to documentary evidence used in the ongoing High Court civil lawsuit against the F1 supremo." BayernLB "sold its 47% stake in the motorsport series" in '05-06. Ecclestone is being sued for $140M by Constantin Medien, which said that "it lost out when part of F1 was bought by private equity group CVC Capital Partners" (BBC, 11/28).
