FIA begins probe into McLaren car

McLaren say it is fully co-operating with the FIA after Formula 1’s governing body began its planned inspection of its 2008 car.

The Woking squad was ordered to present next year’s design for examination as part of the World Motor Sport Council’s verdict into ‘Spygate’, which also included a record fine and the wiping of its 2007 constructors’ points.

The examination is designed to ensure that none of the leaked Ferrari data that was found in McLaren’s suspended chief designer Mike Coughlan’s possession has been used on its new car.

Reports in the British press on Thursday say that a team of independent legal and technical experts spent two days at McLaren’s Technology Centre earlier this week examining all details relevant to the 2008 car before leaving with boxes of data for further analysis.

Although McLaren says it can’t comment specifically about the investigation, it says it is co-operating fully.

"We are unable to make any comment other than to say that an inspection has always been part of the World Motor Sport Council decision and of course we are co-operating fully with the FIA," a McLaren spokeswoman said.

The WMSC is due to receive a full technical report on McLaren’s 2008 challenger in time for its December 7 meeting when it would decide if a further penalty for next year needed to be imposed.

source: itv-f1