FIA confirms verdict following spy hearing.
The FIA, Formula 1's governing body, has confirmed that Team McLaren-Mercedes will not face any penalty what-so-ever following the extraordinary meeting of the FIA World Motor Sport Council in Paris today [Thursday].
The full statement from the FIA noted that there while McLaren was found to be in possession of the confidential Ferrari dossier, there was 'insufficient evidence that it had been used in such a way as to interfere improperly with the FIA Formula 1 World Championship'.
The FIA, Formula 1's governing body, has confirmed that Team McLaren-Mercedes will not face any penalty what-so-ever following the extraordinary meeting of the FIA World Motor Sport Council in Paris today [Thursday].
The full statement from the FIA noted that there while McLaren was found to be in possession of the confidential Ferrari dossier, there was 'insufficient evidence that it had been used in such a way as to interfere improperly with the FIA Formula 1 World Championship'.
As such no penalty was given to McLaren-Mercedes.
The FIA warned though that if in future that information is used to the detriment of the sport, then they would recall the team to another hearing of the WSMC, where Ron Dennis' team will face the 'possibility of exclusion' from the 2007 - and the 2008 championship.
As for the role of McLaren's suspended chief designer Mike Coughlan and Ferrari's former head of performance development, Nigel Stepney, the two men at the centre of the row, the FIA has invited them to 'show reasons why they should not be banned from international motor sport for a lengthy period'.
The full statement from the FIA read:
"The WMSC is satisfied that Vodafone McLaren Mercedes was in possession of confidential Ferrari information and is therefore in breach of article 151c of the International Sporting Code. However, there is insufficient evidence that this information was used in such a way as to interfere improperly with the FIA Formula One World Championship. We therefore impose no penalty.
"But if it is found in the future that the Ferrari information has been used to the detriment of the championship, we reserve the right to invite Vodafone McLaren Mercedes back in front of the WMSC where it will face the possibility of exclusion from not only the 2007 championship but also the 2008 championship.
"The WMSC will also invite Mr Stepney and Mr Coughlan to show reason why they should not be banned from international motor sport for a lengthy period and the WMSC has delegated authority to deal with this matter to the legal department of the FIA."
