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Racing Team Docked $100M in Spying Flap

McLaren stole data from rival Ferrari to improve own car

By Zach Samalin,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 13, 2007 6:42 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Formula One auto-racing team McLaren Mercedes was fined a record $100 million today for using information from rival Ferrari to improve its own cars, the New York Times reported. Though McLaren's drivers—who are at the top of the F1 standings—will keep their points and remain in competition, the team was booted from the constructors championship this year.

McLaren will have to prove its cars aren't benefiting from Ferrari technology before it's allowed to compete in 2008. The Italian carmaker said it "is satisfied that the truth has now emerged;" a McLaren executive said the company will appeal the decision. Ferrari initiated a criminal investigation in Italy, which is still under way.

McLaren F1 team chief Ron Dennis is surrounded by journalists as he leaves the Automobile International Federation (FIA) headquarters, in Paris, Thursday, Sept. 13, 2007. Dennis faced the World Motor Sports Council who were meeting to decide whether to sanction the McLaren team in the spy scandal that has rocked...
McLaren F1 team chief Ron Dennis is surrounded by journalists as he leaves the Automobile International Federation (FIA) headquarters, in Paris, Thursday, Sept. 13, 2007. Dennis faced the World Motor...   (Associated Press)
Technicians of the Ferrari team adjust the nose spoiler of Kimi Raikkonen's car prior to the Belgium Formula One Grand Prix at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium, Thursday Sept. 13, 2007. There is little cheer for the McLaren team on the eve of Friday's first practice sessions for Sunday's race....
Technicians of the Ferrari team adjust the nose spoiler of Kimi Raikkonen's car prior to the Belgium Formula One Grand Prix at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium, Thursday Sept. 13, 2007. There...   (Associated Press)
Technicians of the McLaren team, left, pass a Ferrari team technician at the paddock prior to the Belgium Formula One Grand Prix at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium, Thursday Sept. 13, 2007. The McLaren team was fined US$100 million and stripped of all of its points in the constructors' standings...
Technicians of the McLaren team, left, pass a Ferrari team technician at the paddock prior to the Belgium Formula One Grand Prix at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium, Thursday Sept. 13, 2007. The...   (Associated Press)
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McLaren leads in race, but verdict will interfere
International Herald Tribune

McLaren fined after phone-call and email evidence
Guardian (UK)

 
auto racing • Formula One • Ferrari • spying • McLaren

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