McLaren apologizes to the FIA

McLaren proposed imposing a moratorium on the development of certain parts on their 2008 cars that could have been inspired by Ferrari’s intellectual property. They have therefore apologized to the FIA for their inability to comprehend the extent of the dissemination of their rivals’ data within their team.

In a letter addressed to FIA president Max Mosley, dated December 5 and published on the McLaren website today, the team admitted that the information from Ferrari had been more widely disseminated within the team than they had thought.

A statement published on McLaren’s website said: « In order to avoid the possibility of Ferrari information influencing our performance in 2008, McLaren has offered a series of detailed commitments to the FIA, which will impose a moratorium on car development. »

« During these incidents, McLaren conducted a thorough review of its policies and procedures regarding recruitment and personnel management. »

The proposals resulting from this thorough examination have been communicated to the FIA. McLaren has decided to demonstrate that all these policies and procedures have been fully implemented.

« McLaren wishes to make a public apology to the FIA, Ferrari, F1, and all the supporters of the sport and offers them assurance that changes are currently being made, » she stated.

« The team will ensure that nothing comparable to Ferrari comes to light. McLaren has also agreed to pay the costs incurred by the FIA for their investigation. »

« McLaren now wishes to put these issues behind them and move forward by focusing on the 2008 season. »