The WMSC were due to rule on whether McLaren s 2008 challenger the MP4-23 – had any Ferrari intellectual property on it today, however the WMSC have decided that Ferrari and McLaren should have some input into the report and therefore they have postponed making a decision on the issue for a further four weeks.
A statement from the FIA reads, “In its decision of 13 September 2007, the WMSC instructed the FIA Technical Department to conduct an investigation of the preparatory work by McLaren on its 2008 car to determine whether that car incorporates any confidential Ferrari information.
“This investigation has been concluded and a detailed report submitted to the WMSC. The WMSC considers that McLaren, Ferrari and the other competitors in the FIA Formula One World Championship should be afforded the opportunity to make considered representations on the report at an extraordinary general meeting of the WMSC to be held on Thursday 14 February 2008 in Paris.”
The news will come as a blow to McLaren who were hoping that the matter would be dealt with quickly. However, the team remain confident that their car will be cleared and no evidence of them using Ferrari s data will be found.
“McLaren acknowledges the World Motor Sport Council’s announcement to defer its decision regarding the team’s 2008 car to an extraordinary general meeting to be held on Thursday 14th February 2008 in Paris,” a McLaren statement said. “From the very beginning McLaren has provided the FIA with full access and complete co-operation, and remains confident no confidential information has been incorporated within the team’s 2007 and 2008 cars.”
