Date:28/07/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/07/28/stories/2007072856542000.htm

Sport - Racing : Motor

Ferrari chief defiant

ROME: Ferrari president Luca Montezemolo said on Friday his team had not accepted defeat in the McLaren spying row.

In Paris on Thursday the FIA, Formula One’s governing body, cleared McLaren of any wrongdoing, ruling there was not enough evidence to suggest the British team had benefited from confidential Ferrari documents which ended up in the hands of its chief designer, Mike Coughlan.

But Montezemolo insisted the fight would continue, promising fans of the Italian outfit it would not lie down.

“I want to say to the fans from all over the world who have been contacting Ferrari, offended by the decision taken in Paris yesterday, that they should remain calm because this story will not end here,” he was quoted as saying by Italian news agency ANSA.

Earlier, Ferrari’s executive director Jean Todt, said the team was mulling its next move.

“We are reflecting on what to do after the incomprehensible and grave decision made in Paris,” said the Frenchman.

Ferrari lambasted Formula One’s governing body (FIA) on Thursday after championship leader McLaren went unpunished for having data belonging to the Italian team.

Ferrari said in a statement that it found the lack of a sanction incomprehensible and added that the decision “legitimises dishonest behaviour in Formula One and sets a very serious precedent.” Ferrari said it noted that McLaren had been found guilty of behaving fraudulently. — Agencies.