27/02/2008
NEWS STORY
McLaren has revealed that a number of employees have been questioned by Italian investigators as the legal probe into the spy saga that overshadowed the 2007 season continues.
A brief statement issued by the Woking team this evening read:
"McLaren Racing has today continued its co-operation with enquiries instigated by the Modena Magistrate.
The Surrey Police accompanied Italian investigators to the homes of a number of McLaren executives as part of their ongoing investigation. A similar process has been performed at the McLaren Technology Centre.
The police are completely satisfied with the co-operation they have received.
These actions are part of a normal judicial process in connection with the ongoing investigation, and are supported by McLaren Racing."
Though the Woking team didn't name any of those involved, today's meetings follow reports earlier this month that that Modena prosecutor Giuseppe Tibis wished to meet with Ron Dennis, chief executive Martin Whitmarsh, engineering director Paddy Lowe and senior employees Jonathan Neale and Rob Taylor.
As part of his investigation, Tibis has already interviewed the Woking outfit's test driver, Pedro de la Rosa, and former driver, Fernando Alonso. It has also met with Nigel Stepney, the (former) Ferrari employee alleged to have kick-started the saga when he passed information to McLaren's chief designer, Mike Coughlan. Stepney is also accused of sabotage by the Italian team.