New evidence is uncovered in McLaren spy scandal

PARIS: New evidence has emerged concerning the spy row between Formula One giants Ferrari and McLaren. It was revealed on Wednesday in a statement by the sport's governing body FIA.

As a result the appeal by FIA supremo Max Mosley against the original decision by the World Motor Sport Council of the FIA -- which found McLaren guilty of fraudulent conduct but didn't penalise them -- has been withdrawn and instead the WMSC will convene on September 13 to review the new evidence.

McLaren were found guilty of possessing confidential Ferrari documents, but it was decided in the original decision the information had not been used to improve their car.

"Following the receipt of new evidence the WMSC has been reconvened for a hearing in Paris on September 13," a statement by the FIA read.

"In accordance with its decision of 26 July, representatives of McLaren have been invited to attend the hearing.

"The FIA president Max Mosley's referral of the matter to the International Court of Appeal has been withdrawn."

A McLaren statement in response to the FIA read "McLaren Racing has been made aware that new evidence has been presented to the FIA as part of their ongoing investigation.

"McLaren will continue to co-operate fully with the FIA."

The row arose when it was revealed that now sacked Ferrari engineer Nigel Stepney and suspended McLaren chief designer Mike Coughlan had colluded together.

The former supplied the latter with a 780-page dossier of confidential Ferrari information in April.