Hyderabad: The Indian leg of the Formula One race intensified further today (Jan 31, 2004) with the Andhra Pradesh Government claiming it was closer to clinching a final deal with the sport's chief Bernie Ecclestone.

"We are in the forefront and ahead of others," a source in the negotiating team said today as the State Government upped its ante in the battle for rights to host an F-1 race.

In what was akin to waving itself the chequered flag, the Government disclosed a letter from Ecclestone who wrote he had not contacted any other party in India with regard to hosting an F-1 race.

"This is to confirm that we have not entertained any meetings with any other parties. I will inform you as you know we have kept our side of the agreement," Ecclestone said in a letter faxed to negotiation panel.

As per the agreement mentioned by Ecclestone, F-1 was bound by a "lock-in period" clause which prevented it from holding discussions with any party in the country other than the Andhra Government till the completion of the said period, the source said.