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F1 News & Discussions => General F1 Discussion => Topic started by: f1box on July 26, 2007, 03:49:27 PM

Title: No Penalty for McLaren
Post by: f1box on July 26, 2007, 03:49:27 PM
FIA Press Release:


World Motor Sport Council - Decision
26.07.2007     
   :
An extraordinary meeting of the World Motor Sport Council was held in Paris on 26 July, 2007. The following decision was taken:

“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.”


The BBC quote Ron Dennis as saying that he's "not completely comfortable with the outcome but the punishment fits the crime" and goes on to report that a formal statement for McLaren will be issued later.
 

David
Title: Re: No Penalty for McLaren
Post by: johnbull on July 26, 2007, 04:47:40 PM
The MA F I A will never admit they cocked up in the first place.

I have a feeling this is not the last we will hear about this issue by Ron Dennis.

Mc Laren statement just out. Off to read. Back later. :yahoo:
Title: Re: No Penalty for McLaren
Post by: f1box on July 26, 2007, 06:33:36 PM
... and Ferrari's view!

"This decision legitimises dishonest behaviour in F1 and sets a very serious precedent," said a Ferrari statement.

"We feel this is highly prejudicial to the credibility of the sport."

"Ferrari ... finds it incomprehensible that violating the fundamental principle of sporting honesty does not have, as a logical and inevitable consequence, the application of a sanction,"

"In fact, the decision of the World Council signifies that possession, knowledge at the very highest level and use of highly confidential information acquired in an illicit manner and the acquiring of confidential information over the course of several months, represent violations that do not carry any punishment.

"This is all the more serious as it has occurred in a sport like F1 in which small details make all the difference."


Only part of the statement above

David
Title: Re: No Penalty for McLaren
Post by: RedFive on July 26, 2007, 06:34:13 PM
Even Ferrari are trying to blame their points deficit to McLaren on the whole saga.
According to the Scuderia's legal team:-
   
Quote
"The difference between the two teams is so close that it is likely that McLaren's superior number of points is a consequence of its chief designer having the Ferrari documents,"
Now as far as I'm aware the design for the MP4/22 would have been finalised last year. Now seeing as these documents only came into Coughlan's possession sometime in April I fail to see how that can be the case. Those that have even a modicum of technical understanding must, surely, realise that even if McLaren sanctioned this, that it is highly unlikely that the information would be of any use to them, bearing in mind that the design philosophy of the two cars would be completely different.
That kind of data would be more of a help in the case, say, of someone who was looking for employment elsewhere and wanted to base their 2008 chassis on something proven. Especially if their potential employer's current chassis was woefully underperforming (I wonder who that could, potentially, be ? ;)). It's not like McLaren really need Ferrari's help in designing a competitive car now is it ?
The more revelations I hear about "Coughlangate", which was "Stepneygate" before that, the more I'm convinced that there's a political agenda on Ferrari's part that may only become clear in time. Maybe then we will be able to see who the real guilty party is.
Title: Re: No Penalty for McLaren
Post by: johnbull on July 26, 2007, 06:46:21 PM

   
Quote
"The difference between the two teams is so close that it is likely that McLaren's superior number of points is a consequence of its chief designer having the Ferrari documents,"


If that isn't a "big headed" Italian statement, I don't know what is.

They must obviously believe that they are the only people capable of building a decent GP car. Big heads.

We need to remind them about people like Ross Brawn and Rory Byrne among other honourable Italian citizens. And we might as well add Nigel Stepney, though he will now have lost his honorary Italian citizenship I suppose.

They will never change. I really do hope Ron doesn't accept the verdict.

Title: Re: No Penalty for McLaren
Post by: RedFive on July 26, 2007, 07:01:07 PM
Having just read the whole of the Ferrari press release I find their arrogance staggering. Have a read and see for yourself. I have also read the McLaren press release, which handily enough was in plain text and therefore copy/pasteable:-
Quote
Following an appearance by McLaren today at the FIA World Motor Sport Council in Paris, a unanimous decision has been taken by the FIA which in McLaren’s opinion is very balanced and fair. McLaren accepts the that the FIA World Motor Sport Council had no alternative other than to find that there was a purely technical breach by reason of the possession of certain information by one individual at his home, without McLaren’s knowledge or authority. McLaren is delighted that the World Motor Sport Council determined that this information was not used and accordingly imposed no sanction whatsoever on the team. McLaren looks forward to continuing its fight in what is the most exciting Drivers’ and Constructors’ World Championship in many years.
It seems that Mclaren have no alternative but to comply with the finding for now. There seems little point in rocking the boat unless further allegations are made.
The Ferrari press release makes it look like a serious judicial travesty has occurred, whereas both the official FIA & the McLaren efforts paint a different picture.
Wasn't it McLaren that invited the FIA to inspect its cars ? Wouldn't Ferrari have instigated the proceedings against McLaren instead of persuing Stepney & Coughlan ? Was McLaren's post Oz resurgence more a case of the revised floor regulations hurting Ferrari more than any other team ? For a team that has excelled using dubious practices in the past, I find it laughable to read the righteous indignation so blatantly displayed  in the press release. Wasn't  it Hamlet's mum who said "I think the Lady doth protest too much" ?
Title: Re: No Penalty for McLaren
Post by: johnbull on July 26, 2007, 07:23:49 PM
It's all a question of attitude. God is Italian. The pope hangs out in Italy - the vatican actually but that to them will just be a technicality. The Italians are the most intelligent, beautiful, rich, perfect, people in the World. Everybody else is second rate. Italy has the greatest football team in the world - by right, and Ferrari make the fastest cars in the world - by right. Period.

And they believe this. They are totally convinced. They are always right. And nobody should argue.

So with this in mind you can understand better their surprise that the case went against them. I'm looking forward to reading the Italian press tomorrow. Up to this morning Max will have been Jean Todt's best bedfellow. Today he is probably an evil demon.

I know the Italians because we are so close. I have raced there and experienced it first hand. So long as I wasn't winning I was a nice guy. The minute I started winning I had to be cheating. I was protested every time I won. On principle.
Title: Re: No Penalty for McLaren
Post by: johnbull on July 26, 2007, 07:38:05 PM
(http://img487.imageshack.us/img487/792/gyi00005208670722101024ca1.jpg)
Doesn't this picture say it all. :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo:
I wonder what Ron just said to Michael.

Title: Re: No Penalty for McLaren
Post by: raindancer on July 26, 2007, 08:25:19 PM
This is probably neither Mclaren doing nor Ferrari's overreaction.
Title: Re: No Penalty for McLaren
Post by: Chameleon on July 26, 2007, 09:53:45 PM
To me, this is the most telling part of Ferrari's statement:

"In fact, the decision of the World Council signifies that possession, knowledge at the very highest level and use of highly confidential information acquired in an illicit manner and the acquiring of confidential information over the course of several months, represent violations that do not carry any punishment."

In fact, all the WMSC decided was that an employee of McLaren's had the documents at his home (legally that could be taken as the responsibility of the employer) and that it was not possible to prove that they were used in any way by the company.  That is why they imposed no sanctions.

But Ferrari have gone way over the top, implying that McLaren had the documents in their possession, that even the top bosses knew about them and that they used them.  That sounds to me like contempt of court.

To be fair, McLaren also go a little beyond the facts in their statement:

"McLaren accepts the that the FIA World Motor Sport Council had no alternative other than to find that there was a purely technical breach by reason of the possession of certain information by one individual at his home, without McLaren's knowledge or authority.

"McLaren is delighted that the World Motor Sport Council determined that this information was not used and accordingly imposed no sanction whatsoever on the team."

The WMSC merely said that it was impossible to prove that the documents were used, not that they definitely were not used.  In fact, the WMSC is keeping its options open, no doubt for further action if more is revealed in the pending legal cases concerning Coughlan and Stepney.

At least it means we can get back to watching what is proving to be the most interesting season for years and won't have to worry about points deductions, disqualifications, etc. until after it is all over...
Title: Re: No Penalty for McLaren
Post by: FW14B on July 26, 2007, 11:11:06 PM
It seems that the sensible route has been taken here.  But Ferrari are certainly showing how highly they value sportsmanship.  Maybe it can be put to sleep now, but I doubt it, not unless Ferrari manage to overtake McLaren in both championships.
Title: Re: No Penalty for McLaren
Post by: cosworth151 on July 27, 2007, 02:41:24 AM
I don't care for the fact that the FIA (Ferrari International Assistance) make no distinction between a Mclaren employee having the files and McLaren itself having the files. I just hope this is the end of it and everybody can get back to racing.

Wait a minute - maybe that's why the "viking horn" wings disappeared: They weren't on the Ferrari plans! If the McLaren's show up at the Hungaroring with those strange wheel discs....... ;)

Cos
Title: Re: No Penalty for McLaren
Post by: johnbull on July 27, 2007, 08:12:25 AM
Good point about the wheel discs Cossie.

What is copying and how will the FIA define it?

In the next month everyone will have wheel discs. Does that mean everyone is copying. Hell, Chaparral started the wing thing many years ago, now everybody has wings. It's the way things go, but the court decision worries me because basically it is saying to Mc Laren : You must halt all progress on your cars this year and next because if you have anything that looks remotely Ferrari you're out.

I hope Ron does appeal it.
Title: Re: No Penalty for McLaren
Post by: Cam on July 27, 2007, 02:36:36 PM
Ferrari's reaction is perfectly reasonable.

F1 is a game of miniscule advantages, the teams spend hundreds of millions of dollars and employ hundreds of people to develop, maintain and protect those advantages.  Mclarens cheif designer has been intimately aware of the Ferrari's advantages since nearly the beginning of the season.  It is naive to think that this knowledge could not be used to influence their cars performance for the better.  These guys are working at a frantic pace, coming up with new ideas and putting them into effect on a daily basis, Coughlan doesnt have to tell anyone where his ideas are coming from.  Its not about directly copying, its about tweaking this, trying this new stuff, interpreting this rule in a particular way.  It could very easily add up to a slight additional advantage on top of all Mclarens own IP, enough to get them ahead, and Ferrari are quite reasonably imputing that this has occurred. 

Re-read the FIA judgment, it says "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" It doesnt say Mike Coughlan was in posession, it says the team was in posession and that they are in breach.  It is a mystery how the team can be in breach of the regulations and receive no sanction whatsoever. 

Put yourself in Ferraris shoes for a minute. If that's too painful, try to imagine the roles reversed, and Ferrari had benefitted from this perplexing decision.
Title: Re: No Penalty for McLaren
Post by: johnbull on July 27, 2007, 05:39:31 PM
Accusing Mc Laren for Coughlan's actions is like accusing Ferrari for Stepney's. They were both employed with the 2 manufacturers when they did what they did, so what's the difference?

To my mind, it was the FIA that cocked up - for a change :nono:. They should have summoned Coughlan, not Mc Laren. If I have an employee that has been cought stealing, even if the stolen goods are found on my property, it's not me that is summoned but him.

I suggest that Max tried to be cleaver, and look good with Ferrari by summoning Mc Laren, and his own council let him down because they are not as warped as him.

I expect we'll hear a few more opinions in the next few days.
Title: Re: No Penalty for McLaren
Post by: Chameleon on July 27, 2007, 07:37:09 PM
Quote
I expect we'll hear a few more opinions in the next few days.

You reckon, John?

Hehehe...   ::)
Title: Re: No Penalty for McLaren
Post by: Ian on July 27, 2007, 09:06:25 PM
Ferrari showing sportsmanship LOcoolD, I think not, I don't even think they know how to spell the word
Title: Re: No Penalty for McLaren
Post by: johnbull on July 27, 2007, 10:42:34 PM
I love Mika Salo's comment about spying on Mc laren when he was at Ferrari.

Check it out on Autosport. Brilliant.

And these guys make themselves out to be holier than the Pope.
Title: Re: No Penalty for McLaren
Post by: Steven Roy on July 28, 2007, 03:34:18 PM
I have been working away from home with no regular net access but I had to pop in and comment on the outcome (if it is the outcome) of this saga. 

Am I the nly one who thinks Jean Todt's demeanour suggests that he was under the impression that his good buddy Max would deliver a different verdict.  Bear in mind that Max has spent two years touting Todt as his successor/deputy.  Todt looks like he has been sold a lottery ticket that was a guaranteed winner but turned out to be the winning numbers from the week before.

Apparently there is a rule that once the championship results are declared at the end of a season no further legal action can change them so if Ferrari want to pursue their case against McLaren they will have to find a 'court' that moves quickly.

According to Autosport Ron's comment to Schumi on the podium was this must be painful for you.  Doesn't sound like Ronspeak to me.
Title: Re: No Penalty for McLaren
Post by: johnbull on July 28, 2007, 06:01:06 PM
I wondered where you'd been!

Are you following the Salo saga now. Salo first commented about the clear spying on Mc Laren when he was at Ferrari but has now virtually retracted his statement. In fact his new statement is issued by Ferrari!!!!!!!!!!!

The MAFIA at work, perhaps? I mean the real Mafia this time. The Italian one in Modena, not the one in Paris.
Title: Re: No Penalty for McLaren
Post by: raindancer on July 28, 2007, 07:11:37 PM
Come on guys ! We are missing the point here. The point is Mclaren were caught with Ferrari documents. Stupid !!!!!!!!!! I have seen a few cases of espionage ( Industrial) and you don't keep a record or a trail.
Title: Re: No Penalty for McLaren
Post by: Chameleon on July 29, 2007, 12:58:12 AM
Not quite right, Raindancer.  The WMSC did find McLaren guilty of bringing the sport into disrepute by their association with the Ferrari documents but were unable to prove that anyone apart from Coughlan had sight of them.  Their verdict is almost certainly based on the legal principle that an employer is responsible for the actions of his employee.  And, no matter what Mr Todt may say to the contrary, the court found insufficient evidence to prove that others at McLaren had seen the documents or that McLaren benefited from them.  More evidence may be forthcoming in the court cases pending in Italy and Britain and that is why the WMSC have reserved the right to re-open the case in future.

But I do agree with you that Coughlan was unbelievably stupid in his handling of the matter.  Clearly he was a complete amateur at the game of industrial espionage.

Which at least argues for the fact that this is not common practice at McLaren or, hopefully, the rest of F1.
Title: Re: No Penalty for McLaren
Post by: matthew on July 29, 2007, 01:04:55 PM
Come on guys ! We are missing the point here. The point is Mclaren were caught with Ferrari documents. Stupid !!!!!!!!!! I have seen a few cases of espionage ( Industrial) and you don't keep a record or a trail.

if you want to use Ferrari's logic that an Employee of the team and the Team is the very same thing then what you said there is wrong.

McLaren were not caught with Ferraris documents but Ferrari gave mcLaren their documents. :)

if Coughlan=McLaren
Stepney=Ferrari.


McLaren NEVER EVER denied that Coughlan was in possession of the documents. they did however deny any of the rest of their team having seen them and that Coughlan was fired the very same day he told the others about it. if you dont want to believe it then fine, but don't accuse McLaren of dirty play unless YOU (or Ferrari) have proof.

personally i find it a bit fishy that Honda's involvment in all this has been conveniently ignored. Honda made no secret of Coughlan and Stepney wanting to join them while this whole document trading was going on. which clerly makes McLaren not the intended recipient.





also one other thing. remember earlier this year when Spyker were bitching about RBR and STR having identical cars? they said they had blueprints and documents to proove this. why the hell was there no investigation by the FIA in this case ey? its the exact same thing.

also dont forget the toyota issue. and toyot actually built a car that was 100% identical to ferraris. Toyota as a team were never even questioned let alone penalised.
Title: Re: No Penalty for McLaren
Post by: FW14B on July 29, 2007, 09:33:20 PM
Ferrari showing sportsmanship LOcoolD, I think not, I don't even think they know how to spell the word

I know  :good:, I was being sarcastic.  Ferrari do my head in with their whole attitude to racing.  I want to respect their history and heritage, but they continually just play dirty.  They cheat, then moan at others when they get caught.  This whole situation was a pointless exercise to destable McLaren.
Title: Re: No Penalty for McLaren
Post by: The Stig on July 29, 2007, 09:47:41 PM
Great points LOcool,but dont you think ...Bernie will deal with the wrong people in the closed season.
They might have a great case,legal ect.But Bernie will see the season out,then penalise teams who have done wrong.
View: the Bigger Picture,with time..He will not upset this GP
Stig.
Title: Re: No Penalty for McLaren
Post by: FW14B on July 29, 2007, 09:53:33 PM
You make good points Stig.  Does Bernie have the ability though to deal with people?  I think the FIA needs to take a tough stance when dealing with Coughlan, still not sure about Stepney's role in all of this.  I do agree though that it is essential for F1 as a spectacle for this season to continue.  If McLaren had been kicked out, who would really have cared how the season went on other than the Tifosi?  It will drag on though
Title: Re: No Penalty for McLaren
Post by: johnbull on July 29, 2007, 10:10:12 PM
This whole situation was a pointless exercise to destable McLaren.
Thank you friend. That just about sums the whole thing up.
Title: Re: No Penalty for McLaren
Post by: raindancer on July 31, 2007, 05:39:35 PM
WOW ! I really kicked up a strong reactions. Let me try and reply on a point to point. Remember I am a neutral and will probably share another perspective to this whole episode and mind you its just a perspective.
Title: Re: No Penalty for McLaren
Post by: raindancer on July 31, 2007, 05:44:15 PM
Not quite right, Raindancer.  The WMSC did find McLaren guilty of bringing the sport into disrepute by their association with the Ferrari documents but were unable to prove that anyone apart from Coughlan had sight of them.  Their verdict is almost certainly based on the legal principle that an employer is responsible for the actions of his employer.  And, no matter what Mr Todt may say to the contrary, the court found insufficient evidence to prove that others at McLaren had seen the documents or that McLaren benefited from them.  More evidence may be forthcoming in the court cases pending in Italy and Britain and that is why the WMSC have reserved the right to re-open the case in future.

But I do agree with you that Coughlan was unbelievably stupid in his handling of the matter.  Clearly he was a complete amateur at the game of industrial espionage.

Which at least argues for the fact that this is not common practice at McLaren or, hopefully, the rest of F1.
I couldn't agree more chameleon ! I never hinted that Mclaren used those documents. All I am saying it is very rare for any employee to go to such lengths ( if what they say is true). However the irrefutable fact is that documents were found.
As regards to common practice , let me assure you that a friend of mine runs a company which does $ 20 M in turnover just handling industrial espionage situations.
Automobile, Pharma have been some of the major culprits over the years.
Title: Re: No Penalty for McLaren
Post by: raindancer on July 31, 2007, 05:48:25 PM
Come on guys ! We are missing the point here. The point is Mclaren were caught with Ferrari documents. Stupid !!!!!!!!!! I have seen a few cases of espionage ( Industrial) and you don't keep a record or a trail.

if you want to use Ferrari's logic that an Employee of the team and the Team is the very same thing then what you said there is wrong.

It is not ! Courts generally do not make that distinction.
McLaren were not caught with Ferraris documents but Ferrari gave mcLaren their documents. :)
Not proven.
if Coughlan=McLaren
Stepney=Ferrari.


McLaren NEVER EVER denied that Coughlan was in possession of the documents. they did however deny any of the rest of their team having seen them and that Coughlan was fired the very same day he told the others about it. if you dont want to believe it then fine, but don't accuse McLaren of dirty play unless YOU (or Ferrari) have proof.
It is called "damage control"


personally i find it a bit fishy that Honda's involvment in all this has been conveniently ignored. Honda made no secret of Coughlan and Stepney wanting to join them while this whole document trading was going on. which clerly makes McLaren not the intended recipient.
I fully agree. I would look at Honda. The japs play very dirty.


My replies in a glow. I agree with your sentiments to an extent.


also one other thing. remember earlier this year when Spyker were bitching about RBR and STR having identical cars? they said they had blueprints and documents to proove this. why the hell was there no investigation by the FIA in this case ey? its the exact same thing.

also dont forget the toyota issue. and toyot actually built a car that was 100% identical to ferraris. Toyota as a team were never even questioned let alone penalised.
Title: Re: No Penalty for McLaren
Post by: raindancer on July 31, 2007, 05:52:33 PM
I don't know what I did that whole has a glow. Sorry Gentlemen
Title: Re: No Penalty for McLaren
Post by: Chameleon on July 31, 2007, 05:56:17 PM
I dunno, I think it looks kinda cool, Raindancer.  :D
Title: Re: No Penalty for McLaren
Post by: cosworth151 on July 31, 2007, 05:59:32 PM
I don't know what I did that whole has a glow. Sorry Gentlemen

Just use the little Change Color box! 8)
Title: Re: No Penalty for McLaren
Post by: matthew on August 01, 2007, 08:49:43 PM
Ron at his best: http://www.mclaren.com/latestnews/pdf/Letter%20from%20Ron%20Dennis%20to%20Luigi%20Macaluso.pdf

 :good:

fiat might just regret all this. might very easily backfire now that they practically declared war with McLaren.  ::)
Title: Re: No Penalty for McLaren
Post by: The Stig on August 01, 2007, 09:09:14 PM
Great report Mathew.
It makes you think how long all this has been going on.If it was not bought to a head by the wife going to a copy shop,it may never had been discovered at all.
The saga will go on,but bent racing teams is the last straw.

Stig
Title: Re: No Penalty for McLaren
Post by: Chameleon on August 01, 2007, 09:23:05 PM
Ron doesn't often say much but when he does...  ;)
Title: Re: No Penalty for McLaren
Post by: johnbull on August 02, 2007, 04:27:13 PM
My thoughts exactly.

He's been waiting, holding back patiently, but it lookslike the bubble is about to burst.

I wouldn't like to be within a mile of Ron when that happens! :yahoo:
Title: Re: No Penalty for McLaren
Post by: Steven Roy on August 02, 2007, 07:19:12 PM
Most people in F1 just put the boot in when they have a chance.  With Ron it is more like a scalpel.  Never misses the target and always avoids any collateral damage.
Title: Re: No Penalty for McLaren
Post by: raindancer on August 03, 2007, 01:30:11 PM
Come on ! What he did say ? Just that Ferrari won with an illegal car in Australia ? Sounds like gripe to me. What has that got to do with having an employee found with Ferrari documents ????
Title: Re: No Penalty for McLaren
Post by: rmassart on August 03, 2007, 05:57:13 PM
Maybe I'm not following this as seriously as others but I think this whole saga is turning into an interesting soap opera! I  can't honestly see McLaren being docked points for what an employee of theirs had in their home. If it were that easy surely the teams would all be planting their design blueprints in the homes of rival engineers! I just consider this to be the usual Ferrari vs McLaren spat which surfaces every now and then. F1 being what it is teams will try anything to win. And as far as I'm concerned if Ferrari are not able to control who is taking out their blueprints and giving them to rivals then that's their fault. Obviously I'm not being entirely serious, but then this whole saga is a bit of a joke.

But far from distracting from the races I think it adds to the interest. I can just see it after the final race. Ferrari and McLaren tied for points, as well as their four drivers and then going through the courts and wheeling out their big lawyers. This will then set a precedent for the future seasons and soon we will not be discussing who's got the best drivers but who has the best lawyers.  Lawyers will be the celebrities and before we know it there will be no racing, just live televised court appearances with the added interest that each "round" will be held in a different country with different laws ::)
Title: Re: No Penalty for McLaren
Post by: Ian on August 03, 2007, 10:41:55 PM
Is there any such thing as an interesting soap opera, think I'd rather watch Eastenders than follow this drivel
Title: Re: No Penalty for McLaren
Post by: cosworth151 on August 04, 2007, 12:52:34 AM
Ron Dennis has fired another letter from Woking, this time in the direction of Italian motor sport chief Luigi Macaluso:

Dear Mr Macaluso,

Thank you for your letter of 2nd August. My purpose in writing to you was to put forward a true record of the facts, given that, in the period leading up to and since the WMSC hearing, McLaren’s reputation has been attacked by a series of incorrect press reports from Italy and grossly misleading statements from Ferrari itself. Your letter of 1st August which was published to the media continued this campaign and left me with no alternative other than to respond.

You mention that Ferrari did not have “sufficient opportunity to present to the Court or to ask questions of key individuals”. This is not correct. Ferrari submitted a 118 page written submission which was sent to WMSC members on 20th July, prior to circulating the McLaren submission four days later and only two days before the hearing. Ferrari had lawyers of its choosing present and were at no stage prevented from asking questions or making submissions. Indeed Ferrari did make submissions and ask questions of witnesses. If the ICA chose to permit an appeal then we are confident that unanimous decision of the WMSC will be upheld. We are however, not comfortable with any attempts to undermine the credibility of the decision of the WMSC by a misleading version of events portraying Ferrari as having has insufficient opportunity to present its case. If Ferrari had wished to: submit more than 118 pages by the way of written submission; ask more questions; or make longer oral submissions then it could have done so. It is therefore not a case of an insufficient opportunity but just dissatisfaction with the outcome.

I did not intend to publish this letter but as I now find that your letter to me has been published I had no alternative other than to do this. I suggest that we now leave this process to the internal consideration of the FIA.

Yours sincerely,
RON DENNIS CBE
Chairman and CEO

CC:
Mr M Mosley (President – FIA)
Mr J. Todt (CEO – Ferrari SpA)

As they say on the soap operas: Tune in again tomorrow......

Cos
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