Ahead of the season finale, and no doubt in response to some of the more ludicrous stories appearing in the media, McLaren has today (Wednesday) issued the following statement:

"With only one Grand Prix left this season, the 2007 Formula 1 Drivers' World Championship battle is more intense than it has been for a long time with both the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes drivers having been at the top of the point standings since the fourth race of the 2007 season. Consequently there was, and is, competitive tension between Fernando and Lewis who are fighting as team mates for the Championship title.

Following suggestions that there might not be equal treatment for both Fernando and Lewis, the team wants to make it absolutely clear that its policy of treating both Fernando and Lewis with complete equality and fairness will continue for the final race in Brazil on Sunday 21st October 2007. This policy has been conducted throughout the year and McLaren and Mercedes-Benz will continue to take every step that is within their control to ensure that both Fernando and Lewis will enjoy the same opportunity to win in terms of equality of car, engine, tactics and use of resources.

Commenting on the matter, Ron Dennis, Team Principal of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes said: "This has been a tremendous season to which the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team and our drivers have, I believe, contributed a great deal. This contribution has been enhanced by allowing Fernando and Lewis to race each other with complete equality. This will, of course, continue in Brazil where the entire team will be doing its absolute best to win the Drivers' World Championship."

Norbert Haug, Vice-President, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport said: "There have been a lot of suggestions and rumours about equality in the team this year. The current point standings illustrate better than anything else the fact that equal treatment is in place. During the 12 years Mercedes-Benz and McLaren have been working together all drivers in the team had the same possibilities to perform. We will not change this principle for the next race which is the last of the thrilling 2007 season and we will see both Fernando and Lewis compete for the Driver's World Championship title."