Prost says rivals are spreading lies

The four-time champion refused to name names but he rubbished rumours that he is struggling to pay his bills. And he denied the team is finding it difficult to pay for this year's supply of Ferrari engines costing around £19 million a season.

The team has faced increasing rumours as it has struggled to perform. Only two teams have fewer points and while they have notched up four points, the rival Ferrari-powered Sauber team has 19.

"People said we haven't paid for the Ferrari engines or that we haven't paid Jean Alesi for the last six months," said Prost in Hungary. "But anybody can come to the factory and look at the books and see that we have paid for the engines.

"We do not owe Ferrari one dollar - not for a long time. These things are being said to de-stabilise the team and it is being done on purpose," he said in Hungary. "But it could boomerang and go back the other way.

"The Ferrari engines were paid for last year before the season even began," he added. "We have no problems there.

"I don't want to say too much now. We will see. Then will be the time for me to comment for sure."

Brazilian supermarket billionaire Abilo Diniz, father of ex-driver Pedro, owns 40 per cent of the French team and is said to be interested in acquiring it if Prost decides he does not want to continue.