It appears that the new evidence which has seen the FIA scrap the forthcoming appeal and instead call a meeting of the World Motor Sport Council, is the result of a letter sent by Max Mosley to all the teams.

According to Reuters, which has seen a copy of the letter, it reads as follows:

"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," he wrote.

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, establish unequivocally and rapidly whether or not this allegation has any basis in fact.

In particular, 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.

You will appreciate that there is a duty on all of those involved in our sport to ensure the fairness and legitimacy of the Formula One world championship."

In an additional twist, which confirms earlier rumours, Mosley also wrote to all three McLaren drivers, Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton and test driver Pedro de la Rosa, offering them indemnity should they come forward.

It is believed that it was an e-mail sent by de la Rosa to Alonso, mentioning (secret Ferrari) information (chief designer) Mike Coughlan had gleaned from Nigel Stepney that triggered the new investigation. Previously, de la Rosa had worked with Coughlan at Arrows.