Highlights

McLaren suspend employee in Ferrari probe

(Reuters)
Updated: 2007-07-04 08:45

A senior McLaren technical employee has been suspended for receiving information from rivals Ferrari, the Formula One championship leaders said in a statement on Tuesday.

"McLaren became aware on July 3, 2007 that a senior member of its technical organisation was the subject of a Ferrari investigation regarding the receipt of technical information," it said.

"The team has learnt that this individual had personally received a package of technical information from a Ferrari employee at the end of April.

"Whilst McLaren has no involvement in the matter and condemns such actions, it will fully co-operate with any investigation," it added.

"The individual has in the meanwhile been suspended by the company pending a full and proper investigation of the matter."

McLaren are leading Ferrari by 25 points in the constructors' championship after eight races, with the British Grand Prix at Silverstone being held on Sunday.

Ferrari won in France last weekend, ending a run of three McLaren victories.

A spokesman for Formula One's governing body, the International Automobile Federation (FIA), confirmed they were aware of the developments.

"We have received information on this matter which we are examining at the moment," he added.

There was no immediate comment from Ferrari and it was not known whether there was a link between the McLaren case and Ferrari's dismissal of Briton Nigel Stepney, their former technical manager.

The Italian team confirmed on Tuesday that Stepney, who faces court action in Italy amid allegations of attempted sabotage, was no longer an employee.

In February, Stepney expressed unhappiness at management changes following the departure of technical director and compatriot Ross Brawn. He was subsequently moved away from the racetrack operations.