Alesi, Prost at loggerheads over contract

Formula One veteran driver Jean Alesi, and his team principal, Alain Prost appear to have been unable to resolve their dispute over the validity of Alesi's contract.

"We are still in the process of discussions with Alain and Jordan," said Mario Miyakawa, Alesi's manager. "I can confirm that Jean wants to leave the team, and we want to find a friendly solution."

Alesi apparently feels that the team has not met its obligations under the contract, thus freeing him to leav Prost and join Jordan Grand Prix, where the team is looking to fill the void left by the dismissal of Heinz-Harald Frentzen.

Ricardo Zonta drove the ex-Frentzen Jordan-Honda at the German Grand Prix, but the team is looking for more experience, and sees Alesi as the right man for the job.

From the Prost perspective, the loss of experienced and popular Frenchman would be certain to hurt the team, but a negotiated settlement with Jordan might involve a substantialh payment to the French team. This, in turn, might help the team survive its current financial crisis.

Prost, however, has referred the matter to the Formula One Contracts Recognition Board, which is expected to rule on the case in the next few days.