You Dare To Question Us?

SO,

Once again the FIA have shot themselves in the foot on the respectability front as it has now arisen that they intend to sue the Sunday Times and Martin Brundle for suggesting they were engaging in a ‘witch hunt’ against McLaren Mercedes in the ‘Spygate’ scandal.

But Brundle has a point.

It is a long standing and well known fact that Ron Dennis’ and the Woking boys are not exactly on holding-hands terms with the sport’s French governing body, and many believe that the $100million fine for McLaren having been in possession of Ferrari documentation was another case of one-upmanship on the part of the FIA; a firm reminder of who’s in charge.

But after Renault – who was found guilty of having McLaren information from the last two year’s cars (courtesy of an employee who swapped sides) – went unpunished in the FIA court, the allegations of ‘witch-hunting’ strengthened.

Brundle, veteran of 158 grand prix, believes that the sport’s governing body clearly tried to prove a point with their punishment of McLaren Mercedes, and also states in his latest column that the timing of this lawsuit against the Sunday paper is not coincidental:

“The timing of the writ is significant, in my view, given the FIA's decision to find Renault guilty of having significant McLaren designs and information within their systems, but not administering any penalty,” Brundle writes.

“It is a warning sign to other journalists and publications to choose their words carefully over that decision.

“I'm tired of what I perceive as the 'spin' and tactics of the FIA press office, as are many other journalists.”

Many have waited with bated breath for the outcome of this hearing, as it is believed that ex-World Champion Fernando Alonso’s race seat for next year, as well as the French manufacturer’s (and Bernie’s mate Flavio’s) future in Formula One, were in the balance.

But now Renault has been inexplicably and unfairly cleared, their plans for next year can continue.

In the meantime, the FIA are doing everything they can to screw up McLaren Mercedes. This much is clear.

Firstly, another company is found guilty of possessing more information on McLaren than the English company had on Ferrari, yet they go unpunished while McLaren struggle to find £50million. (A serious and disturbing case of double-standards)

And then, the FIA decide to hold-up checking McLaren’s 2008 car for Ferrari influences (surely the Renault is as likely to have McLaren bits) until one month before the start of the season, leaving the Woking team on edge that their car may be banned so soon before the first GP of the season.

While McLaren’s integrity is top notch and few believe there will be any suspiciously Italian bits nailed to the car, I’m sure Jean Todt’s FIA buddies can and will find something ‘stolen’ on the MP4-23.

The FIA appear to be doing everything they can to try and stuff McLaren as hard as possible, and anyone who won’t stand up and dance to their tune is being dragged into the dock.

Nice ‘sport’ we’ve got here…

For Martin Brundle's full column, see http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/formula_1/article3021312.ece

Where's Alonso Going?

SO,

With the forthcoming hearing in the latest twist of the long-dragging Formula 1'Spygate' scenario – namely Renault being accused by McLaren of having a large collection of information of the Woking team’s 2006 and '07' cars thanks to an engineer who switched teams in January – there are now question marks hanging over the head of two-time champion Fernando Alonso’s opportunities to race next year.

Until recently, it was widely believed that the subordinate Spaniard had four options. These were Red Bull Racing, Toyota, Force India (Spyker) and with his previous home, nestled under Flavio’s wing in Enstone.

But it would seem these options are dwindling.

The McLaren reject seems hell bent on serving his own needs by hunting for a single year contract, with a view to setting off to Maranello as partner to Kimi Raikkonen in 2009. However, it seems that no-one is particularly keen or in a position to offer him this.

Toyota have Timo Glock and Jarno Trulli (sort-of) signed up for next year, Force India aren't really in a position to employ a World Champion, Renault are still tied up in the spy situation – which may have massive ramifications on the French manufacturers future in the sport – and Red Bull.

But today it would seem that his chances are fading, as Red Bull driver (and the one considered most likely to be replaced by Alonso) David Coulthard told Reuters there was no chance of his being ousted for next year.

"Why would Fernando leave McLaren to come to Red Bull at the moment?" he asked. "If he didn't enjoy not winning a lot at McLaren, he definitely isn't going to enjoy not winning at all at Red Bull at the moment is he?"

And in case, it would appear that 36-year-old DC has a totally water-tight contract for ’08.

"They simply cannot not put me in the car next year, even if they wanted not to, unless there was a solution found.

"Having been around the block a few times, my contract specifically states that if there's a world championship, they [RBR] have to enter me in it."

So where is he going?

There is a very good chance that the answer may be nowhere. But of course it does make you wonder what would happen in 2009. Fernando has already shown that he heartily dislikes having a team-mate who can rattle him for pace, and unless Ferrari are stupid enough to offer Alonso number one status over their current golden boy and World Champion Kimi Raikkonen, he is going to be in the same situation he is in now.

I wonder how long Ferrari would put up with Alonso's whingeing and threats?

Not as long as McLaren did I’m sure.