F1 Admits Link With Chelsea Boss

When Sven-Goran Eriksson revealed earlier this week that the new Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich had considered investing in formula one, it raised eyebrows across the sporting world. Links between the billionaire and motor racing were swiftly denied, but yesterday senior sources suggested there had been contact.

Abramovich was a guest of formula one's commercial rights holder Bernie Ecclestone at the European grand prix last month, visiting the Minardi pit, and has been linked both with that team and with Jordan, both struggling financially.

While both teams initially denied any knowledge of a deal, on the eve of the Hungarian grand prix that appeared to have changed. Yesterday team owner Eddie Jordan was evading questions, insisting he had "not personally" talked to Abramovich. When asked if there had been any contact between the team and the potential investor, Jordan said: "I'm not going to answer that, on the grounds that I might have to lie to you."