F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone rejects bribery charges

Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone stands between his lawyers Sven Thomas, right, and Norbert Scharf after he arrived in the regional court in Munich, Germany, Thursday, April 24, 2014. AP

MUNICH, Germany—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 eight-and-a-half year sentence for taking the money.

Gribkowsky is expected to be the main witness. Ecclestone said the banker didn’t tell the truth.

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