Following days of speculation, it would appear that F1 is facing a new espionage row.

Earlier this week there were reports that McLaren had contacted the FIA in relation to information of theirw which had fallen into Renault's hands. It is now understood that the claim relates to three CDs of technical data that design engineer Phil Mackereth is alleged to have taken with him when he left the Woking team for the reigning World Champions.

Amidst the ongoing furore over the McLaren/Ferrari spy saga, meetings were held at Spa yesterday relating to the new claims.

"If somebody tells me it's the same (as McLaren), I sue," said Flavio Briatore, according to The Times. "Secondly, it's not an investigation regarding myself and the team. Third, we have given all the information to the federation, at least when we found out something.

"This is it," he added. "It's as simple as that. And I have given the evidence as well to McLaren."

Although light is only now being shed on this story, all eyes will be on the FIA, particularly following the punishment meted out to McLaren earlier this week.

"If we are asked to investigate any allegations against another team, we will," said an FIA spokesman.

It is understood that as yet, no official complaint has been made against the French team.