BBC could cancel F1 contract

Lawyers from BBC and Europe's other major broadcasters were last night studying their contracts with Bernie Ecclestone's Formula One Management.

And a BBC insider admitted: "There are a lot of nerves over the threat of a breakaway. Who is going to want to watch drivers for Campos or Manor when Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton are racing elsewhere?"

The BBC is in the first year of its deal but Sport of the World understands they have NO get-out clause if the likes of Ferrari, Button's Brawn GP team or Hamilton's McLaren outfit quit F 1.

But Sky TV in Italy is understood to have it written into their contract that Ferrari MUST be part of the championship.

The rebels – under the Formula One Teams Association umbrella – have been contacted by several circuits about plans to host races.