FIA dreigt McLaren coureurs
Gepubliceerd op 07 september 2007 door Jo Vleugels
De FIA heeft de McLaren coureurs een brief gestuurd waarin duidelijk dreigende taal wordt geuit. Bij openheid, eerlijkheid en het exact vertellen wat ze weten, worden alle coureurs vrijgesteld van straffen. Echter mocht achteraf blijken dat ze dingen verzwegen hebben, dreigt Max Mosley met 'serious consequences', hetgeen in dit geval alleen maar politie-aangifte kan betekenen.
Een ander aspect is het feit dat de FIA enkele jaren geleden een beloning van een miljoen dollar heeft uitgeloofd aan iedereen die bedrog van een team kon bewijzen. We weten niet of deze beloning nog steeds geldig is, maar het zou al een leuke bijverdienste kunnen zijn voor een van de betrokkenen.
Het is in elk geval een goed teken dat de FIA blijft hameren op een sportieve, eerlijke Formule 1. En bedrog en spionage hoort daar niet bij.
Hieronder de letterlijke brief die de FIA aan de coureurs heeft geschreven.
Jo Vleugels
Dear Mr De La Rosa
As you will be aware, the FIA has recently investigated whether, how and to what extent McLaren was in possession of confidential Ferrari technical information. The FIA has subsequently been made aware of an allegation that one or more McLaren drivers may be in possession, or that such drivers have recently been in possession, of written evidence relevant to this investigation.
In the interests of the sport and the Championship it is important that the FIA as the regulator establishes unequivocally and rapidly whether or not this allegation has any basis in fact.
The FIA therefore formally requests that you produce copies of any relevant documents which may be in your possession or power of procurement and which may be relevant to this case. For these purposes "documents" includes all written materials such as emails, letters, electronic communications, text messages, notes, memoranda, drawings, diagrams, data, or other material, stored in any physical, "hard copy" or electronic form.
In particular (though without limiting the generality of this request), the FIA wishes to receive copies of any electronic communications (howsoever conveyed or stored) which may be relevant to this case and which make reference to Ferrari, Nigel Stepney or any technical or other information coming from or connected with either Ferrari or Mr Stepney.
In the event that you are aware of the existence or previous existence of any document falling within the above description but are not in a position to produce it, please describe the content of the document in question, the circumstances under which it came to your knowledge and the reasons why you are unable to produce it.
In the event that you are unsure as to whether any document falls within the above description, kindly submit it (or a description of it) and the FIA will assist in making a determination. You will appreciate that there is a duty on all competitors and Super Licence holders to ensure the fairness and legitimacy of the Formula One World Championship.
It is therefore imperative that if you do have any such information, you make it available to us without delay. I can confirm, given the importance of this issue, that any information you may make available in response to this letter will not result in any proceedings against you under the International Sporting Code or the Formula One regulations. However, in the event that it later comes to light that you have withheld any potentially relevant information, serious consequences could follow.
We are sending identical letters to Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton. We look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience. Thank you very much for your co-operation.
Yours sincerely
Max Mosley
