German banker appeals F1 conviction

Lawyers for a German banker convicted of taking an illegal payment from Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone have filed an appeal to a federal court.

News agency dapd reported that an attorney for Gerhard Gribkowsky, Daniel Amelung, said Wednesday the defense team had filed an appeal with the Federal Court of Justice. The appeals process typically takes several months in Germany.

Gribkowsky was found guilty by a Munich court last month of taking the $44 million payment in connection with the sale of a stake held by his bank, BayernLB, in the racing series.

Gribkowsky was sentenced to 8 1/2 years in prison after being found guilty of corruption, tax evasion and breach of trust. Ecclestone hasn't been charged in the case but is under investigation.