Formula 1's governing body the FIA, has announced its intention to appeal against a French court's decision last week to overturn Flavio Briatore's lifetime ban from motor sport.

A statement today from the FIA read:

The President of the FIA has consulted the FIA Senate and the FIA’s lawyers about the decision of the Tribunal de Grande Instance de Paris of 5 January.

It was unanimously agreed that an appeal would be prepared.

Additionally the FIA considers that the decision of 21 September 2009 remains in full effect, although they accept that, pending the outcome of the FIA's appeal, superlicences will continue to be issued to drivers who are still looked after by Flavio Briatore.

The FIA statement ends by pointing out that it intends to "take whatever measures are necessary to ensure the continuing integrity and safety of the sport".