FIA Targets McLaren Drivers In Spy Probe

McLaren´s drivers have been formally asked to hand over any documents in their possession relating to a spy controversy with Ferrari.

McLaren's drivers have been formally asked to hand over any documents in their possession relating to a spy controversy with Ferrari, Formula One's governing body confirmed on Friday.

The International Automobile Federation (FIA) released a letter sent by them on Aug. 31 to championship leader Lewis Hamilton, double world champion Fernando Alonso and test driver Pedro de la Rosa.

In it, FIA President Max Mosley assured the three that no proceedings would be taken against them under Formula One's regulations or International Sporting Code if they cooperated.

It also warned, however, that "in the event that it later comes to light that you have withheld any potentially relevant information, serious consequences could follow".

Another letter, without the warning paragraph, was sent to the 11 team bosses on the same date.

The FIA announced last Wednesday that it had received new evidence and reconvened its highest authority, the World Motor Sport Council, for a hearing in Paris on Sept. 13 with championship leaders McLaren invited to attend.

A hearing in July decided not to impose any sanction on McLaren because of insufficient evidence that they had benefited from the data. If found guilty this time, the Mercedes-powered team could be kicked out of this year's and next year's championship.

McLaren suspended their chief designer Mike Coughlan in July after 780 pages of Ferrari technical information were found at his home.

Ferrari suspect the information was sent to him by their now-dismissed employee Nigel Stepney, although the Briton has denied the accusation.

NEW ALLEGATION

Newspaper reports on Friday suggested that e-mails between De la Rosa and compatriot Alonso, allegedly relating to the setup of the car, may have triggered the new hearing.

McLaren have said they cannot comment on the allegations for legal reasons.

De la Rosa raced for now-defunct Arrows in 1999 and 2000, the team that formerly employed Coughlan.

"As you will be aware, the FIA has recently investigated whether, how and to what extent McLaren was in possession of confidential Ferrari technical information," Mosley wrote in both letters.

"The FIA has subsequently been made aware of an allegation that one or more McLaren drivers may be in possession, or that such drivers have recently been in possession, of written evidence relevant to this investigation.

"In the interests of the sport and the championship it is important that the FIA as the regulator establishes unequivocally and rapidly whether or not this allegation has any basis in fact," continued Mosley.

The team, who lead the drivers' title chase with Hamilton and Alonso, are 11 points clear of Ferrari in the constructors' standings. They have denied incorporating any of the information in their car.

The FIA told the drivers that all Super Licence holders had a duty "to ensure the fairness and legitimacy of the Formula One world championship."

It sought documents, including e-mails, text messages, drawings and diagrams.

"In particular...the FIA wishes to receive copies of any electronic communications howsoever conveyed or stored which may be relevant to this case, and which make reference to Ferrari, Nigel Stepney or any technical or other information coming from, or connected with, either Ferrari or Mr Stepney," said Mosley.