There are some, both within and outside the F1 paddock, that have felt for some time that FIA President Max Mosley will be deriving a certain amount of pleasure from the ongoing spy saga, particularly with regards the threat to McLaren.

It is no secret that Mosley and Ron Dennis have had their share of problems over the years, the McLaren boss going head-to-head with the FIA President on a number of occasions.

However, though some might think that every new twist which heaps further burden on Dennis might give Mosley a nice tingly feeling inside, the sport's governing body insists that nothing could be further from the truth, dismissing talk of a vendetta.

"This inquiry was triggered by a letter of complaint from Ferrari which was, in turn, triggered by the extraordinary discovery of 780 pages of their most confidential technical information in the hands of McLaren's chief designer," an FIA spokesman told The Times. "Under the circumstances, the suggestion that the FIA's ongoing investigation is about anything other than the pursuit of sporting fairness demonstrates a blinding refusal to accept the basic facts."

Nonetheless, there are many, not least the hardened journalists who attempt to cover the sport, who over the years have been continually frustrated by the sport's failure to be transparent. Yet, much of the ongoing spy saga, like parts of the previous row with the manufacturers who threatened to form their own championship, has been played out in the open, with the FIA making public (selected) documents, all in the name of "transparency".

In the past, Dennis has stood up to the FIA, often partnered by fellow constructor Frank Williams. But with Williams now focussing on the future of his own team, Dennis stands alone.

Funny thing is, despite the previous 'bad blood' between them, do you know who Ron really needs in F1 right now, a man who would stand shoulder-to-shoulder with him, and wouldn't take no for an answer, especially from Mosley?

Paul Stoddart.