Moto: McLaren cleared over Monaco finish

May 31 2007 by Our Correspondent, Western Mail

LEWIS HAMILTON and McLaren have escaped sanction for their tactics at the Monaco Grand Prix following an FIA investigation.

The sport’s governing body were prompted to look into last weekend’s race when Hamilton finished second behind team-mate Fernando Alonso.

However, the FIA are satisfied the conduct of both drivers and the team did not breach the rule against the use of team orders to interfere with the race result.

The FIA said, “McLaren’s actions during the Monaco grand prix were entirely legitimate and no further action is necessary.”

Reigning world champion Alonso led home Hamilton, with the 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 the object of scrutiny by the FIA.

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