McLaren let off with no penalty! http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/6910369.stm World Motor Sport Council - Decision 26.07.2007 : An extraordinary meeting of the World Motor Sport Council was held in Paris on 26 July, 2007. The following decision was taken: “The WMSC is satisfied that Vodafone McLaren Mercedes was in possession of confidential Ferrari information and is therefore in breach of article 151c of the International Sporting Code. However, there is insufficient evidence that this information was used in such a way as to interfere improperly with the FIA Formula One World Championship. We therefore impose no penalty. “But if it is found in the future that the Ferrari information has been used to the detriment of the championship, we reserve the right to invite Vodafone McLaren Mercedes back in front of the WMSC where it will face the possibility of exclusion from not only the 2007 championship but also the 2008 championship. “The WMSC will also invite Mr Stepney and Mr Coughlan to show reason why they should not be banned from international motor sport for a lengthy period and the WMSC has delegated authority to deal with this matter to the legal department of the FIA.”
...Moretti is right, RD is the devil...we walks on water if he needs to. LETS GET SOME RACING!!!...lets crush´em on the track!
So it is now OK to break the International Sporting Code without fearing any penalty? BS... Why make rules in the first place then?
Ther problem is that the 2007 car was already built by the time they got the info. They may very well have tuned it better due to the info, but "no ferrari technology" is present.....I still would have punished them with atleast a fine.
But predictable, given the politics and the money involved. Can't wait for some MCL lovers to pile on and say "see - now they are proven innocent. Bernie said so, and he is the returned Lord". And I loved that thing - we will "invite" Coughlin and Stepney to show why they should not be banned for a long time. WTF is that all about? You can't decide right now on the evidence you have?
I would very honestly prefer to see them race the cars they sell. I watch F1 only because it's the only place to see ferrari race, I think it's a bit of a silly format that has been out dated since molded in fenders were invented in the late '30s.
This is what happens when there is money involved. Many big business's and many a govt are corrupt. F1 is no different. Everyone has a price. Now we can watch the Mclaren supporters come on here and say I told you so. This is where they will show their true colors. (pun intended). The season is more important than the truth to the FIA. Lets now forget this crap and get on with slamming the Mcliars team on the track.
I never comment in the race section, but who can ignore saying something to this post. What a bunch of BS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Robert
They did at least hand down a 2 year altimatum.... "But if it is found in the future that the Ferrari information has been used to the detriment of the championship, we reserve the right to invite Vodafone McLaren Mercedes back in front of the WMSC where it will face the possibility of exclusion from not only the 2007 championship but also the 2008 championship." They know MC has the data and any evidence that it makes the car and their out....even if Mc could have developed a part or technology on their own, they can't use it now without it looking like stolen technology....so that's good.
this is total really f c u k e d up i cannot believe this the have got away with it i really think Bernie Ecclestone has something to do with this.
The 2 year thing is there mostly to appease us in the hope that all will be forgoten and go away quietly.
Why would they want to kill their marketing just because of a fleeting moment like this? You don't throw away 57 years of motor sport history because of a minor thing like this. F1 rules, GT is meaningless. McLaren had their car built long before they got the documents. They still might have profited from them as they also show Ferrari's racing strategy etc, but you can never proove that. The only reason why this decision might have come different would have been to reignite the championship again. Now it is down to Hamilton vs Alonso. What is interesting though is, that they leave the door open for future penalties (and draconian ones at that) should further evidence be found. Combine that with the newly hired private investigator from Ferrari and we might not have seen the last of this. Also remember this is only the FIA; the criminal investigation in the courts of Italy and Britain will continue.
Following this so-called ruling I've lost all interest in the rest of the season. Even a kangaroo would be ashamed to be in the FIA "court".
Money rules. Sounds like they're turning a blind eye to spying.(which they all do to some degree) Oh well, it puts everyone on notice for future.
+1 Yes imagine F1 with out Ferrari, lets see really who would go to see F1? NOBODY. i am so disenchanted with the Governig Body it sucks and money was involved for sure. total carp
With everything that had to be weighed here ......and all was done in 6 hours. LOL If only all the courts could work as fast...
Andres my friend I hope to God your right........I just feel so sick to my stomach right now I want to throw up that's all. P.S. Im jealous of you for driving Damon Hills F1 car that had to be a blast
