Journalist, FIA, fight battle in court

(GMM) A High Court tussle between a leading figure of F1's governing body and a specialist magazine resulted in a confusing outcome late last week.

Richard Woods, who is the FIA's director of communications, and BusinessF1 editor-in-chief Tom Rubython, have both claimed victory after a three day hearing in front of a jury.

Woods was reportedly awarded libel damages of up to 500,000 euros for a derogatory magazine article last year called 'The Propagandist'.

It is understood that Rubython offered an apology and even pledged to cease a regular anti-Woods column.

In a case heard by Justice Gray, however, Rubython was also awarded damages and legal costs for a libel counter-claim, after Woods allegedly accused the controversial journalist via emails and websites of associating with criminals.

It is believed that the FIA might foot Woods' bill.