New evidence against McLaren
September 6th 2007 09:39
Summoned again
McLaren stand accused of industrial espionage from the Ferrari documents that their now suspended chief designer, Mike Coughlan had in his home.
The WMSC found the Woking team not guilty due to a lack of proof, but warned the team that the verdict could change in light of new evidence.
However, the FIA said on Wednesday that it had received new evidence in the case, and that a hearing was scheduled for September 13 in the French capital.
"Following the receipt of new evidence the World Motor Sport Council has been reconvened for a hearing in Paris on September 13th,” the FIA in a statement.
"In accordance with its decision of July 26th representatives of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes have been invited to attend the hearing.
The result of the July hearing angered Ferrari, who immediately protested to FIA president Max Mosley, who referred the matter to the International Court of Appeal, but with a new hearing scheduled, the appeal has been withdrawn.
McLaren issued a statement in response to the new claims, vowing to remain compliant with the FIA,
"McLaren Racing has been made aware that new evidence has been presented to the FIA as part of their on-going investigation," read the statement.
"As a result we have been informed that the Court of Appeal Hearing scheduled for the 13th September in Paris will now comprise a meeting of the WMSC.
"McLaren will continue to co-operate fully with the FIA."
Along the with new evidence against Nigel Stepney regarding Ferrari’s contaminated fuel tanks recently, this revelation has completely reignited the F1 spying scandal that captured headlines over a month ago.
Once again, McLaren and drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso, who sit first and second in the championship, face an anxious wait to discover whether their efforts were in vein should the WMSC punish the team with expulsion.
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