Formula One news

Ecclestone horror at PM plea

Bernie Ecclestone has struck back at accusations he cynically plotted the demise of Britain's Formula One race with FIA president Max Mosley. British Racing Drivers' Club president Sir Jackie Stewart said the sport's powerbrokers have waged a long-standing 'vendetta' against Silverstone and its owner.

"Enough is enough," the F1 impresario said on Wednesday. "I don't mind criticism, but I am being depicted as responsible for all Silverstone's problems. This mess has been coming for several years."

Ecclestone, 73, is horrified at news that Stewart - the former triple world champion - wrote a letter to British Prime Minister Tony Blair asking for a hand out. "I mean, come on," Bernie scoffed. "It's the arrogance of these people which has dragged them into this mess. The BRDC needs to wake up quickly to financial reality."

He said Stewart and other opponents have depicted 'Mr. Ecclestone' as a greedy multi billionaire who doesn't need any more money.

But Bernie said personal issues should be left out of any political or commercial dispute. "I stayed here in England and took risks with my own cash," he said. "Jackie shouldn't argue that he and the BRDC are the innocent parties. If he gets in touch with me, and we manage to thrash things out, there might still be a race in Britain next year."

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