FIA turns attention on McLaren drivers

McLaren's drivers have been formally asked to hand over any documents in their possession relating to a spy controversy with Ferrari, Formula One's governing body confirmed yesterday.

The International Automobile Federation (FIA) released a letter sent by them on Aug. 31 to championship leader Lewis Hamilton, double world champion Fernando Alonso and test driver Pedro de la Rosa.

In it, FIA president Max Mosley assured the three that no proceedings would be taken against them under F1's regulations or International Sporting Code if they cooperated.

It also warned, however, that "in the event that it later comes to light that you have withheld any potentially relevant information, serious consequences could follow".

Another letter, without the warning paragraph, was sent to the 11 team bosses on the same date.

The FIA announced last Wednesday that it had received new evidence and reconvened its highest authority, the World Motor Sport Council, for a hearing in Paris on September 13 with championship leaders McLaren invited to attend.

A hearing in July decided not to impose any sanction on McLaren because of insufficient evidence that they had benefited from the data.

If found guilty, the Mercedes-powered team could be kicked out of the 2007 and 2008 championship.

McLaren suspended their chief designer Mike Coughlan in July after 780 pages of Ferrari technical information were found at his home.

Ferrari suspect the information was sent to him by their former employee Nigel Stepney, although the Briton has denied the accusation.

Reports said that e-mails between De la Rosa and Alonso, relating to the setup of the car, may have triggered the new hearing. McLaren have said they cannot comment on the allegations for legal reasons.

De la Rosa raced for now-defunct Arrows in 1999 and 2000, the team that formerly employed Coughlan.

The team, who lead the drivers' title chase with Hamilton and Alonso, are 11 points clear of Ferrari in the constructors' standings. They have denied incorporating any of the information in their car.

The FIA told the drivers that all Super Licence holders had a duty "to ensure the fairness and legitimacy of the F1 world championship".

It sought documents, including e-mails, text messages, drawings and diagrams.