Did McLaren Violate the International Sporting Code?

[Ultra]

FIA launches McLaren investigation

McLaren is under investigation by Formula 1's governing body, the FIA, over a possible breach of F1's sporting code in Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix.

The Woking squad took a dominant 1-2 finish on the street circuit, with race-winner Fernando Alonso and team-mate Lewis Hamilton lapping all drivers up to third-placed man Felipe Massa.

Ron Dennis revealed to ITV Sport following the race that he had ordered his drivers to drive conservatively as soon as it became clear that McLaren was in command following the first round of pit-stops to ensure maximum points.

His decision was widely criticised in the British press on Monday morning, as it prevented Hamilton from challenging Alonso wheel-to-wheel on track for his first career victory.

"The FIA has launched an investigation into incidents involving the McLaren Mercedes team at the 2007 Monaco Grand Prix in light of a possible breach of the International Sporting Code," read a statement by the governing body on Monday.

"The relevant evidence is under review and a further announcement will be made in due course."

Team orders were outlawed in F1 following the Austrian GP in 2002, when Ferrari caused outrage by ordering race-leader Rubens Barrichello to move over for Michael Schumacher on the final lap of the race.

Dennis's comments after the Monaco GP suggested that McLaren actively managed the race as the two drivers eased their pace after the first pit stops.

"Either of the drivers could have won," he told ITV Sport.

"I don't know what the true pace was, but it was a lot quicker than we went.

"Really, from around the stops it was very apparent that either driver could push harder.

"It was frustrating for the drivers but we have to function as a team.

"Slowing them down was difficult, because you have to maintain concentration, but that's my job."

[Jagman]

No, I don't think so, because he slowed them both down, not just Hammie...........

BTW, it sure looked like Massa just went for a cruise, once he knew he wouldn't be seriously challenged for third........

[Otto Puzzell]

Sounds like a moehill being made into a mountain.

[MG]

Stuff and nonsense. 

[Tifosi]

Ditto.



Dan