found this message on a german Le MAns discussion-form (
www.gt-eins.de)
mail from Sansepolcro, Italy, April 30, 2004:
AN EXPLANATION FOR THE ANDREA PICCINI /LISTER RACING ISSUE.
The Legal dispute between Andrea Piccini and Lister Racing came to an end yesterday on April 29th with the decision that the English team will have pay a compensation for damages.
This story has been the talk of many people in the last few days and so Andrea Piccini would like to divulge this information through its press office to clear up this matter. Moreover, Andrea Piccini would also like to avoid having any incorrect information published.
At the end of the free practice session on the Le Mans track on Sunday April 25th, Lister Racing’s prototype and truck were seized by the French authority.
This decision was made after Andrea Piccini had sued Lister Racing for damages and for not respecting the terms of the contract signed in December 2003.
In fact, Lister Racing had chosen Andrea as its key driver for the 24 hours of Le Mans and for 4 races in the LMES championship.
On January 26, 2004, the team had stated that they had some financial problems and Laurence Pierce; the owner of the English factory, informed Andrea Piccini that he could no longer compete for the team regardless of the contract that the Tuscan driver had signed on December 19, 2003.
Andrea tried to solve this problem in a friendly fashion for almost a month but Laurence Pierce’s absolute indifference forced him to start legal proceedings against the company with the help of the FLADGATE FIELDERS law firm.
When Andrea’s lawyers brought his case to the French authorities, the authorities had immediately decided as a precaution to seize Lister Racing’s assets and means of transportation.
While this press releases is being sent, Lister Racing’s assets are being given back since the team is fulfilling the obligations undertaken with the French Authority.
