FIA writes a gutless report

[cameraman]

In its investigations of last year regarding the unauthorised use of intellectual property within Formula One, the FIA heard allegations that Mr. Nigel Stepney, then employed by Ferrari, had passed confidential Ferrari information to an employee of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes. Mr. Stepney has admitted this allegation and apologised to the FIA, though he disputes the seriousness and extent of his involvement.

As Mr. Stepney is not a licence-holder of the FIA, no formal action may be taken against him under the International Sporting Code (though the FIA is co-operating with the Italian police, who are investigating Mr. Stepney's actions). As a matter of good order, the FIA recommends to its licensees that they do not professionally collaborate with Mr. Stepney without conducting appropriate due diligence regarding his suitability for involvement in international motor sport. This recommendation stands until 1 July 2009.
:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :saywhat:

[Cam]

:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :saywhat:

And yet McLaren still shoulder an exorbitant fine? :shakehead

[Andrew Longman]

And yet McLaren still shoulder an exorbitant fine? :shakehead

Receiving stolen property is a crime, though if what he gave wasn't that serious or important as he contends then you have a point.


the FIA recommends to its licensees that they do not professionally collaborate with Mr. Stepney without conducting appropriate due diligence regarding his suitability for involvement in international motor sport.

What would that be? They can't fine him but they can blacklist him. :rolleyes:

[oddlycalm]

Stepney speaks for the first time and admits that he gave away some minor information through carelessness but that the 780 page dossier came from elsewhere. Stepney replies (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/65557)
Stepney himself "admits that a former McLaren engineer and friend of 20 years had obtained very limited information as a result of his carelessness".

"Frankly, I should have known better," Stepney was quoted as saying. "But it sure as hell wasn't the 780-page dossier the FIA saw, and which I've just been shown for the first time by the Italian authorities."



Sian Nath, of Stepney's UK law firm Coyle White Devine, said: "It should be noted that Mr Stepney has never admitted any dishonest intention. The FIA is fully aware of that.

"Our client blew the whistle on certain matters to FIA officials; that is not in any contention. The Italian authorities were made aware of this last month; they, too, accept his position." If what Stepney says is true then there is a 2nd source of information at Ferrari, McLaren's hands are dirtier than previously thought and the FIA massively bungled their investigation by only listening to McLaren's side of the story. Or, it could be Stepney is trying to create interest for his book....

oc

[eiregosod]

Macbeth's witches must be brewing up some future for the Toad & son of Toad at Ferrari.

Schumi versus Toad versus diMontezemelo must be breaking Fiararri from within.

sorry,, to be cryptic :tony:

[morgahorse]

This is a really great retelling of all that went on. it's from wired, so there's a bunch of background there for non-F1 geeks:

http://www.wired.com/cars/coolwheels/magazine/16-06/ff_formulaone