McLaren fined $100 mln in spying case

By Julien Pretot

PARIS (Reuters) - Formula One leaders McLaren have been stripped of all their 2007 constructors' points and fined $100 million (50 million pounds) in a spying controversy involving Ferrari information.

However, the governing FIA ruled that the team's championship leader Lewis Hamilton and Spain's double world champion Fernando Alonso could keep their points in the drivers' contest.

"The WMSC (World Motor Sports Council) has stripped Vodafone McLaren Mercedes of all constructors points in the 2007 FIA Formula One world championship and the team can score no points for the remainder of the season," the FIA said.

"Furthermore the team will pay a fine equal to $100 million, less the FOM income lost as a result of the points deduction."

Points gained by other teams so far this season would also not be affected, it added in a statement.

McLaren, one-two winners of last weekend's Italian Grand Prix at Monza, were accused of having benefited from a dossier of Ferrari data found in the possession of now-suspended chief designer Mike Coughlan.

Asked by reporters whether justice had been done, the International Automobile Federation president Max Mosley answered: "Yes".

The decision effectively ensures Ferrari the constructors' championship but keeps a thrilling drivers' battle alive.