15/04/2009
NEWS STORY
A report in the Daily Telegraph claims that Ron Dennis is to "cut ties with McLaren", claiming that the Englishman is to "step back completely from Formula One as the 'lie-gate' scandal engulfing the team drags on".
The exact nature of the "cut" isn't mentioned, but the newspaper claims that a statement will be issued on Thursday morning and that it is unlikely that Dennis will attend this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix.
This would appear to be the latest scene in a drama which has unfolded over the last few weeks, following events in the final laps of the Australian Grand Prix and all that has happened thereafter.
With McLaren now due to face an extraordinary meeting of the FIA's World Motor Sport Council later this month, all manner of rumours have been doing the rounds, from Lewis Hamilton jumping ship to another team, to Mercedes ending its partnership with the Woking outfit. That said, much of the speculation is utter rubbish with no basis in fact.
However, with McLaren looking set to face a severe penalty, its second in just a couple of seasons, not to mention the public embarrassment and questions as to the 'culture' of the team, there is widespread belief that radical changes must be made.
While Martin Whitmarsh, who has only been in charge of the F1 operation since March 1, is in the firing line ahead of the WMSC meeting, many believe that this latest scandal could go even higher within the organization. Furthermore, with a history of 'bad blood' between Dennis and (FIA President) Max Mosley, some might feel it best that the McLaren boss takes a further step back.
While McLaren is refusing to comment on the story, a source has confirmed to Pitpass that a press conference is to be held at the team's Woking HQ on Thursday morning.
In an additional twist, the Daily Telegraph claims that Hamilton is to be "shielded from the press" this weekend as the team prepares for the WMSC meeting.