The French court which is hearing Flavio Briatore's claim for compensation and the overturning of his lifetime ban from FIA-sanctioned motorsport will not announce its decision until January 5.

The Italian, who was sacked by Renault ahead of the World Motor Sport Council hearing on September 21, is seeking one million euros in compensation and the overturning of the ban which excludes him from all involvement in FIA-sanctioned motorsport even to the extent of relinquishing his role as a driver manager.

Before the hearing got underway in Paris today, his lawyer Philippe Ouakrat told reporters "My client only aims to be able to do what he wants and to recover his freedom. He is calm and determined."

Briatore claims that the ban, which he says breaches his human rights, was mainly the doing of (then) FIA president Max Mosley, who was seeking revenge following the Italian's stance during the FIA/FOTA row which threatened to tear the sport apart. He also claims that a deal was done whereby the suspended sentence handed to Renault kept the French team in the sport when other manufacturers were jumping ship.

"It's difficult not to see the result of the conflict between Briatore and Mosley in the FIA's decision," Ouakrat told the court. "Don't forget that Briatore had threatened the FIA with the idea of launching a rival series to Formula One.

"Briatore wants to recover his freedom and be able to do what he wants," he added. "When he decided to leave Renault, he took moral responsibility for the mistake, but he doesn't want to be penalised for something he is not responsible for."