Ecclestone takes Stewart to court
 |  Ecclestone is set to remove the Silverstone race from the 2005 program |
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LONDON, England -- Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone is to sue Jackie Stewart, president of the British Racing Drivers' Club, for libel in the ongoing row about the future of the British Grand Prix.
Ecclestone, who is set to remove the Silverstone race from the 2005 calendar after talks broke down over financial terms, was angered by comments Stewart made in an interview.
The libel proceedings relate to Stewart suggesting that Ecclestone had "reneged on promises given to the UK Minister of Sport" which might have saved the race.
"Mr Ecclestone, who has made it clear that he has tried hard to keep the British Grand Prix, and has explained his frustration at why this seems to be impossible in light of failed negotiations with the BRDC, is suing Mr Stewart over his comments," lawyer Simon Smith said.
Meanwhile, the race is still set to be wiped off the calendar after the BRDC failed to agree a rescue package at a board meeting on Thursday, although they said they would examine more options.
