No TV threat to British GP

The channel did not broadcast qualifying from last weekend's French race because Ecclestone refused to allow it to be shown.

The two are in dispute about the contract.

However, an ITV spokeswoman said there is 'absolutely no chance' of it happening again for Silverstone.

She said, 'We regret as much as the viewers that we were unable to show qualifying live in France.

'We certainly had every intention of doing so. There is no threat for the British GP.'

ITV paid £70 million for a five-year deal to broadcast F1 at the end of 1996, but failed to ensure that it had live qualifying, on-board cameras, and camera access to the paddock and pit lane guaranteed in the contract.

However, the contract does cover qualifying for the Silverstone race as ITV is the host broadcaster.

ITV has been in two-year dispute with the F1 chief.

Ecclestone is trying to get ITV to pay more for the elements that are not in the contract.

It is believed that Ecclestone chose last weekend to pull the plug on ITV because of the proximity of the British race as a new contract is negotiated.

He said, 'They have dragged their feet for two years. I have allowed them to show qualifying and have other shows but I owe it to my company to sort it out.

'ITV is very experienced in business matters and they know they have been having rights for which they have not paid.

'I told ITV at the beginning of the year, as I did last year, that this must be sorted out. I handed it over to my lawyers and they are now tightening up.