yah BMW Sauber moves up to 2nd place, thumbs down to McLaren!

I'm not convinced by the findings, and until I see a full statement by the FIA explaining their reasoning, I will remain sceptical. The WMSC has long been suspected of having a Ferrari bias. I'd really like to see a comment from the independent observers (Williams, Renault, Spyker and Red Bull) to see if they concur with the findings - only then will I be convinced of McLaren's supposed guilt.

Doesn't change the fact that Ferrari cheated in the first race of the season (movable floor) and got away with it either.

I admit I am not 100% neutral on this - I am a Williams supporter - therefore I love to see Ferrari get beaten.

Something just doesn't smell right here.

Having read the evidence in the FIA press release:

http://www.fia.com/resources/documen...ion_130907.pdf

I have to fall on Ferrari's side on this one - there is clear evidence that McLaren had internal discussions on Ferrari data.

I agree to a point. I agree with the points aspect of the punishment, but $100 million is way over the top along side. Imho, Ron Dennis is sporting and fair absolutely, and all this basically went down around him without even him knowing.

ouch 100 million dollars! i'm sure they'll appeal that part of the decision

Season 2007 - Ferrari crowned as McLaren rule out appeal

Eurosport - Sat, 22 Sep 07:42:00 2007

McLaren have ruled out an appeal against a record $100 million fine and loss of all their 2007 Formula One constructors' points, a decision that handed the title to Ferrari.

"McLaren Racing has notified the (International Automobile Federation) FIA of its intention not to appeal the verdict of the World Motor Sport Council," the Mercedes-powered team said in a statement.

The Paris-based governing body had set a 1500 GMT deadline for McLaren to appeal against a sentence meted out last week at a hearing into a spying controversy that has clouded the sport since July.

"Having now had time to study the judgement of the World Motor Sport Council with its lawyers and shareholders, McLaren thinks it is in the best interests of the sport and its goal of winning races and world championships, not to appeal," the statement said.

Team boss Ron Dennis added: "We believe the time has come to put this huge distraction behind us. McLaren wants to win races and world championships.

"We are fortunate to have, and continue to receive, unwavering support from our employees, sponsor partners and Formula One fans across the world -- all of whom are equally keen that we totally focus on winning this year's Drivers' Championship and the remaining three races of the season."

McLaren had been leading Ferrari in the constructors' standings before the Paris hearing.

The decision left Ferrari on 161 points, with BMW Sauber second with 90 and a total of 54 remaining to be won.

The constructors' title is Ferrari's first of the post-Michael Schumacher era. They won six in a row between 1999 and 2004 when the great German was at his most dominant.

McLaren still lead the drivers' championship, with 22-year-old British rookie Lewis Hamilton two points clear of Spanish team mate and double world champion Fernando Alonso.

Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen, winner in Belgium last weekend, is third and 13 points adrift of Hamilton. The next race is in Japan on September 30.

McLaren said it was clear from the full judgement that the World Motor Sport Council had concluded that the charge that one of the team's employees had unauthorised possession of confidential Ferrari information was proven.

The Paris hearing was presented with emails from earlier in the year between Alonso and test driver Pedro de la Rosa in which they discussed Ferrari information in the possession of chief designer Mike Coughlan.

Coughlan was suspended at the beginning of July after a 780-page Ferrari technical dossier was found at his home in southern England. Ferrari say it was sent to him by now-dismissed employee Nigel Stepney.

"To our regret and embarrassment, the content of the previously unknown emails demonstrated possession not being limited to a single person, albeit unsanctioned in any way by the team," McLaren said.

"The major principle of the issue for McLaren is: this information was not used to gain advantage on its cars.

"Moving forwards, and in consultation with our shareholders, we will now review and further strengthen our internal compliance structures and processes."

if you think Ron Dennis actually didn't know with how controlling he is and his ultra type A personality, you're kidding yourself.