Formula 1: Ecclestone Mugged

Just the Facts:

• Ecclestone suffered minor injuries and reported the loss of valuable jewelry to the gang of thieves.
• Ecclestone's comments about driver Jenson Button after a carjacking attempt in Brazil came back to haunt the 80-year-old F1 major domo.

LONDON, England — Bernie Ecclestone, the 80-year-old ringleader of the Formula 1 circus, suffered minor injuries when he and his girlfriend were attacked by muggers Wednesday in London.

The four attackers took watches and jewelry valued at some $300,000, according to reports, and punched and kicked Ecclestone, who was treated at a hospital and released.

The woman, identified as Fabiana Flosi, was not injured.

The incident recalled Ecclestone's remarks in the aftermath of an attempted carjacking involving 2009 F1 champion Jenson Button near the Autódromo José Carlos Pace in Brazil November 6.

Ecclestone downplayed the incident, in which Button and several others were driven to safety by a police officer at the wheel of the bulletproof Mercedes sedan in which they were riding when they were accosted at a traffic light by armed attackers.

"They look for victims," Ecclestone said of muggers in general, noting that he has never had any problem with the high crime rate during racing events in Brazil.

"They look for anyone who looks like a soft touch and not too bright," he added. "People who look a bit soft and simple, they will always have a go at."

Inside Line says: "Soft touch, not too bright, a bit soft and simple." Yeah, lots of folks in the paddock might agree with that description of Bernie, especially considering that the description comes from the little man himself. — David Green, Correspondent