LONDON (AFP) - The race to save the British Grand Prix descended into acrimony with Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone issuing a libel writ against Jackie Stewart.
Ecclestone has taken exception to comments the retired triple world champion made in his capacity as president of Silverstone's owners, the British Racing Drivers' Club.
The F1 chief's lawyers issued a statement saying the legal action was being taken after Stewart suggested in a BBC interview Ecclestone had "reneged on alleged promises given to the (UK) minister of sport."
BRDC chairman Ray Bellm emerged from a board meeting to confirm the main obstacle to any agreement was the length of a deal rather than money.
"We have been in intense negotiations for nine months and we met the bulk of the terms, including closing the gap on fees. We thought we were close to agreement," he said.
"However, the major stumbling block is over the length of the contract. The only way forward for us is a two-year contract, which would give us time to plan and secure the long-term future of the British Grand Prix.
"We have financial limits on what we can afford. We need a British Grand Prix to sustain the long-term stability of the valuable British motorsport industry and for the sake of Silverstone.
"We have done our utmost to come to an agreement, but the present terms are not financially viable."
Stewart insisted the BRDC would explore every possible avenue to save the world's oldest Grand Prix from disappearing off next year's F1 menu.
"We hope there will be positive support for the British Grand Prix as a result of the Formula One team principals' meeting with Bernie Ecclestone, to be held (Friday) in Sao Paulo, Brazil," Stewart said.
10-21-2004, 19h06