McLaren's appeal against the decision to strip them of constructors' points at the Hungarian Grand Prix is still on - even though the Woking-based outfit has been kicked out of the race for the constructors' championship after the spy row verdict last week.
McLaren were unable to score any manufacturers' points at the Hungarian Grand Prix after the shenanigans in qualifying, which the stewards ruled were ‘prejudicial to the interests of the competition and to the interests of motor sport generally'.
Although Ron Dennis' team have yet to confirm if they will continue with this appeal - or for that matter appeal against the spy row verdict itself - the
FIA confirmed on Monday that the Hungary appeal is still on and will take place on Wednesday in Paris.
What McLaren will gain from such an appeal is uncertain - although with the $100 million spy fine ‘less the FOM income lost as a result of the points' deduction' it may be worth a certain amount.
Indeed if the Hungary points are reinstated, then McLaren constructors' points total pre-Spa would go from 166 points to 181 points and while this wouldn't affect their position in the constructors' - assuming they don't appeal against the second WMSC spy ruling, it would influence the amount owing from the fine.
The full FIA statement, with regard to the Hungary appeal, read:
“At the qualifying session of the 2007 Hungarian Grand Prix, the Panel of the Stewards of the meeting found that one of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes ("McLaren") drivers had obstructed another in the pit lane.
“A penalty was imposed preventing McLaren from scoring points in the Constructors Championship at that meeting.
“McLaren have lodged an appeal against the decision of the Stewards to the FIA International Court of Appeal.
“This appeal will be heard on Wednesday 19 September 2007.
“In the interests of transparency the hearing will be open to members of the press.”
