The FIA are to appeal against the decision of the Tribunal de Grande Instance who ordered the overturning of a lifetime ban on Flavio Briatore.

Briatore last week celebrated the news, believing it restored his "dignity and freedom" in the wake of a suspension that was imposed by the FIA for his role in the infamous 'crashgate' saga.

New FIA president Jean Todt, however, believes the world governing body has a case against the 59-year-old Italian.

A statement from the FIA today 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.

"In his election campaign last summer, FIA president Jean Todt and his team announced new measures for constructive change, including a disciplinary procedure, would be introduced. Work on this is well advanced.

"Once in place, this will address the issues in the Court's judgement. Nonetheless, an appeal is merited.

"While the appeal is under way, the World Motor Sport Council's decision of 21 September 2009 remains in full effect.

"However, in view of the uncertainty this may create for drivers who may be affected by this decision, the FIA president and FIA Senate have decided that, pending the outcome of the FIA's appeal, superlicences will continue to be issued to qualifying drivers in the usual way.

"The FIA president, the FIA Senate, the World Motor Sport Council, and the FIA's member clubs from all countries will take whatever measures are necessary to ensure the continuing integrity and safety of the sport."