McLaren must wait for ruling on team tactics at Monaco

May 29 2007 South Wales Echo

MCLAREN will discover by the end of the week if they are to be punished for the orchestrated one-two finish at the Monaco Grand Prix.

Motorsport’s governing body, the FIA, on Monday confirmed it was launching an investigation into the procession that took place around the streets of Monte Carlo on Sunday.

Reigning world champion Fernando Alonso led home team-mate Lewis Hamilton, with the manufactured result ensuring the duo now share equal billing at the top of the drivers’ standings.

Alonso has the edge courtesy of his two race wins, with his 17th overall in his career now the object of scrutiny by the FIA.

After coming within 0.8 seconds of Alonso in the final third of the 78-lap race, Hamilton claims he was told “to ease off” by the team in order they score maximum points.

Team principal Ron Dennis also stated that, given the nature of the race, “you virtually have to decide in advance which of the team’s drivers will claim the victory”.

Dennis maintains that is in the event of a potential safety-car incident, as had occurred in four of the previous five grands prix at the Principality.