F1 banks to get $460m bonus

Both Bernie Ecclestone and three banks, the shareholders of F1's holding company, are set to split a whopping $610 million.

According to the British 'Independent on Sunday' newspaper, company accounts show that dividends of $460m for the banks, and $150m for Ecclestone's family trust, are now available after a six year wait.

''The decision to refinance the (1999 $1.4bn F1) bond and declare a dividend is now in (Bayerische Landesbank)'s hands,'' the press report said.

Elsewhere, the F1 supremo leant his support to an online petition that is calling for the knighthood of former FIA/F1 doctor, Sid Watkins.

''He deserves a knighthood without a doubt,'' 74-year-old Ecclestone, referring to the sidwatkins.co.uk campaign, told f1.com.

Thousands, including Damon Hill, Sir Frank Williams, Murray Walker, Flavio Briatore, Giancarlo Fisichella and Adrian Newey, have already signed the petition.