Bernie is highest riser in Rich List

The purchase of a further quarter of SLEC, Ecclestone's holding company which owns the commercial and broadcasting rights to F1, by German media group Kirch added to the worth of his remaining 25 percent stake has increased Ecclestone's wealth by an estimated £1000 million, a third of his overall wealth.

Ecclestone's increase in wealth has propelled him into third place in the overall Rich List behind the Duke of Westminster in first place and food packaging magnate Hans Rausing in second.

The dramatic increase, however, has not come without its problems and the 70-year-old has had to ward off the threat of a breakaway championship from the five European manufacturers involved in F1.

The Big Five are concerned that Kirch will take the sport onto pay-per-view television, but Ecclestone is thought to have brokered a deal to keep both sides happy.

Best of the rest from the world of motorsport is Arrows and TWR boss Tom Walkinshaw, whose estimated worth of £170 million puts the Scot in equal 193rd place. Close behind is McLaren team boss Ron Dennis in 201st position.

Eddie Jordan's fortune is valued at £105 million and, enough to put the flamboyant Irishman 320th and Sir Frank Williams comes in at number 362 with only £95 million.