The general secretary of the Czech Automobile Association Radovan Novak has apologised to the
McLaren team after suggesting that the Mercedes-powered outfit may have helped to expose the sex scandal that has left
Max Mosley fighting to retain his position as president of the
FIA.
In an interview with Prague-based radio station
Radio Impuls, Novak appeared to suggest that the story which broke in Britain's
News of the World back in March and accused Mosley of being involved in a 'sado-masochistic Nazi sex orgy' with five prostitutes, could be linked to the decision to fine McLaren a record $100 million last year for its role in the
Formula 1 spying scandal.
Mosley, who is currently taking legal action against the 'paper and will face a vote of confidence when the FIA general assembly meets next month in Paris, has already expressed his own views that he has been the victim of 'a disgusting conspiracy' and that a 'covert investigation' of his private life had been undertaken by a group for reasons and clients unknown.
Following the Czech radio interview, McLaren team boss Ron Dennis was quick to deny that he or anyone connected with - or working for - McLaren was involved in the story breaking and said he would be contacting Novak to ask for clarification over his comments.
With discussions between the two parties having now taken place, a statement released by the Woking-based outfit revealed that Novak – who has made no secret of his support for Mosley – had made a full apology in which he said he didn't feel there was any McLaren involvement in the incident.
"McLaren is pleased to be able to confirm that it has been contacted by Mr Radovan Novak to explain the background that led to certain remarks related to McLaren and Mr Ron Dennis being made in an interview that he gave to Radio Impuls in the Czech Republic," the statement read.
