The FIA warns teams about Stepney!

The FIA will not take disciplinary action against Nigel Stepney but has warned motorsport teams not to collaborate with the former Ferrari engineer until the summer of 2009.

A police investigation is underway in Italy, based on suspicions that Stepney provided confidential Ferrari information to McLaren while he was employed by Scuderia.

The case led the FIA to exclude McLaren from the 2007 Constructors’ Championship and to impose a record fine of 100 million dollars on the British team.

The governing body had also stated that its legal department would meet with Stepney and make a decision on his future in motorsport.

But after a meeting that took place yesterday, the FIA announced that it was not able to officially ban Stepney from motorsport but could only recommend that teams carefully consider whether or not to collaborate with the Briton.

A statement released by the FIA on Friday evening stated: « In its 2007 investigation regarding the unauthorized use of intellectual property within Formula 1, the FIA heard allegations that Mr. Nigel Stepney from Ferrari had given confidential information to an employee of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes. »

Mr. Stepney admitted to this allegation and apologized to the FIA, but he contests the severity and extent of his involvement.

« As Mr. Stepney does not hold an FIA license, no action can be taken against him under the International Sporting Code (although the FIA is cooperating with the Italian police, who are investigating Mr. Stepney’s actions). »

« The FIA therefore recommends that teams do not collaborate with professionals such as Mr. Stepney. This recommendation is valid until July 1, 2009. »