Formula One news

McLaren off the hook under strict conditions

The FIA has elected not to penalise the McLaren team following today's meeting in Paris and the conclusion of the 'spygate' scandal. The governing body felt that the manner in which team principal Martin Whitmarsh delivered his information was honest, and that no instant action will be taken against the team. The English outfit will, however, be kept on a short leash for the period of a year.

The hearing at the governing body's headquarters took place in the French capital with Whitmarsh, the only representative of the Woking-based team, attending with support from neither team members nor legal representatives. The World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) hearing follows the situation in which former team manager Dave Ryan lied to race stewards at the Australian Grand Prix, leading to the penalisation and effective fraud of the Toyota team, which temporarily lost third position plus awards for the result.

Whitmarsh leaves FIA headquarters

With McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton since disqualified and Jarno Trulli reclaiming the position, the FIA heard Whitmarsh's view of events on Wednesday and released the following statement:

"Having regard to the open and honest way in which McLaren Team Principal, Mr Martin Whitmarsh, addressed the WMSC and the change in culture which he made clear has taken place in his organisation, the WMSC decided to suspend the application of the penalty it deems appropriate."

The penalty in question is a three race ban which will be applied in the event of 'further facts emerging from the case or if, in the next 12 months, there is a 'further breach by the team of article 151c of the International Sporting Code'.

The FIA will be releasing full reasons for its decision in due course.

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