The long-running Formula 1 spying saga has finally drawn to a close – in sporting terms at least – after the FIA announced that the February hearing into the 2008 McLaren car has been cancelled.

The Woking-based team had been told that its new machine would be under scrutiny from the governing body as part of the ruling into the scandal back in September, with the team fined $100 million and stripped of its points in the constructors' championship after being found guilty of being in possession of confidential Ferrari documentation.

The team was also warned that if any parts inspired by the Ferrari data were found on the 2008 McLaren, then further sanctions could imposed – with a decision due from the World Motor Sport Council in December.

Although the investigation was concluded by the FIA technical department and a report submitted to the WMSC, the decision was taken to defer the meeting regarding the MP4-23 to 14 February to give both McLaren and Ferrari the chance to have an input into the findings.

However, last week, McLaren apologised to the governing body for its part in the whole episode in a move which prompted FIA chief Max Mosley to ask the members of the WMSC to cancel the hearing and close the door on the whole episode – a decision that has now been taken.

“Further to the proposal of the FIA President, the World Motor Sport Council has agreed to cancel the hearing scheduled for February 14, 2008,” a short statement read.

Ferrari will still continue with ongoing court cases away from the track relating to the issue.