F1: ‘Spy’ saga could mar 2008 season

Nov 30 2007 by Staff Reporter, Western Mail

BERNIE ECCLESTONE has warned of another spy scandal dominating the headlines next season should it be found that McLaren have used Ferrari’s technical data in the design of their 2008 car.

Earlier this year McLaren were excluded from the 2007 constructors’ championship and handed a hefty US$100m (about £48m) fine by the FIA after they were caught in possession of Ferrari’s technical secrets.

The team were also warned they would face strict scrutineering of their 2008 challenge.

That began earlier this month when investigators went through McLaren’s Woking headquarters, including their computers and designs, looking for any sign of cheating.

The team were also told by FIA president Max Mosley that they would start the 2008 championship on a negative points score should they be found guilty.

And although Ecclestone is hoping McLaren heed Mosley’s warning, the F1 supremo fears another scandal could be on the cards early next season.

“I hope not, but it could happen,” he said when questioned about the subject.

“As a photographer I own the copyright of the pictures I take.

“Whether it can be said that the design of anything is their copyright I do not know. As a designer I would say yes,” he told Auto Motor und Sport.

As for Renault’s upcoming spy hearing, which will see the French team face the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council in Monaco on December 6, Ecclestone is unsure as to whether they’ll get the same punishment as McLaren.

“I do not know the extent of what they have done and what they have not done,” he said.

“I think the difference between them and McLaren is that McLaren were getting information over a period of time, rather than somebody stealing a lot of drawings in one go.”