Comments on: Renault denies using McLaren data (updated)

By: peter F.

peter F. — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 21:10:21 +0000

All those comments trying to trivialise Ferrari’s
v McLean case in order to condemn Renault of a more
serious crime are ludicrous, lets wait for the
verdict instead of writing a load of one sided
rubbish

By: alan

alan — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 20:32:14 +0000

Well Crazy H – on the basis of the info youv’e put forward and it being true? – I read what Briatore said earlier about McLaren – short of being told to take a long walk of a short cliff(scottish saying) – then the fia would have to ban their new 2008 car at least – even more – seasonal song here” Chestnuts roasting on an open fire” – and of course if they got Alonso – sorry it’s just getting so intersting – lets see what excuses etc are given to/and by the fia

By: Keith Collantine

Keith Collantine — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 19:25:40 +0000

If that were proven then Renault could well be in a lot of trouble. Here's what Briatore had to say at the time: Briatore: "Throw McLaren out"

By: Crazy H

Crazy H — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 19:16:39 +0000

I meant
“Supposedly some have even admitted that details were copied into the 2007 design later in the season!”

By: Crazy H

Crazy H — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 19:15:40 +0000

CHECK THIS ONE OUT!

I know people who work at the main teams involved and have heard a few interesting things relating to this story. If you remember at the time that the McLaren spy story started Flav was mouthing off about how McLaren should get kicked out…

…At the next race there were stories of Dennis spending a lot of time talking to Briatore at one of the races and suddenly Flavio stopping spouting off…

As I understand it Dennis was telling Flav to shut up because they had damning evidence that Renault was involved in some pretty serious spying offence.

Apparently now this guy who left Mclaren and went to renault took 3 CDs of data with him, and it was loaded onto the Renault network and parts shown to a dozen or so engineers and there is pretty clear evidence that this happened. Supposedly some have even admitted that details were copied into the 2006 design later in the season!

COnsidering how much effort went into finding evidence of Mclaren using the Stepney file and the only hard evidence that turned up was some driver emails (if you don’t belive me read the whole FIA transcript), then the Renult offence is much more serious.

As for Flavio being honest because he went to the FIA as soon as he found out – the alternative was for Dennis to go first. I wouldn’t trust Flavio as far as I can throw him (and he’s pretty fat) and I doubt many in F1 would.

If the FIA is going to be fair then Renault ought to get a more serious punishment than McLaren.

By: Journeyer

Journeyer — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 12:48:07 +0000

I have an idea – what if this happened? You’ll think I’m crazy, but read it first.

Renault know they’re in trouble. Flavio talks to Bernie (his good friend, remember). They know Max has been making too much trouble and needs to go sooner rather than later. They hatch a plan.

Bernie talks to Max. He explains to him why Renault need to get a lighter punishment than McLaren (the Ghosn factor). Max (who loves his manufacturers) will agree and get the WMSC to lessen the punishment.

Most of the F1 paddock is shocked at the lighter punishment. Max, being Max, tries to explain it away, but it won’t work this time. The teams (egged on by Bernie and an angry Ron Dennis) will trigger a coup and get rid of Max.

Who will they get to replace him? There’s a good number of choices. Jean Todt (who is out of the Ferrari sporting dept), Sir Jackie Stewart, Tony Purnell, so on… anyone but Max. Whoever the replacement is while cancel the McLaren fine (if not the season DSQ).

So Renault get away (relatively) scot-free, McLaren get some form of justice, and the F1 fans won’t notice it as much as Max leaving F1 for good.

It won’t happen, but can’t we dream?

By: alan

alan — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 13:14:50 +0000

Further on the fia’s comment on ferrari’s moving floor being compliant with the rules at that time – too know it did wouldn’t they have access to ferrari sensitive information – prior to any other team and what if a whistle blower at in the fia had told mclaren ?? – plue if mclaren had the floor – where did it dissapear too ???
Also didnt that statement just smack of superior officialdom – the we know better than all you other people smugness!!
Put the whole lot on a leaky boat with capt max at the helm and call the ship titanic 2.

By: milos

milos — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 01:50:12 +0000

SLightly off topic, but following the Hill’s remarks on this case this part of FIA’s response caught my attention:
Explaining what happened with the Ferrari floor, which Hill suggested had been ‘illegal’, the FIA spokesman said: “This device fully satisfied the tests which were in place up to and including the Australian Grand Prix. It was therefore completely legal at that event. On learning how the device functioned, the FIA concluded that although it complied with the letter of the rules, it was outside the spirit. Ferrari were therefore asked to modify it as were McLaren and Red Bull who were running similar devices. ”

McLaren also used the flexi floor in Australia ? Weren’t they the ones to complain to FIA about Ferrari using it ?

As to Renault’s case – I would be worried if I were Flavio … Yes, they were open about it and reported to McLaren and FIA, but only after a year of having the information and after seeing what has happened to McLaren. Team boss not knowing did not help Dennis and it may not help Flavio and Renault…

By: bernie's nemesis

bernie's nemesis — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 01:03:45 +0000

Is it me or does this seem like Renault have seen the punishment dealt out to Mclaren and gambled on ‘being honest’ rather than found out and fined heavily.

Over a dozen mechanics knew of this information, and it was on their computer system, yet senior management were unaware, only finding out before the Mclaren case (after it had been in their possesion one year).
It would appear they only made the FIA aware after the Mclaren case was heard, as the FIA are charging them up until October.

So I’m sorry if I read this statement a little sceptically, especially as Flav was so outspoken about Mclarens punishment. It just appears a little far fetched for adults.

By: Daniel

Daniel — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 21:52:18 +0000

The funniest thing of all is to remember how harshly Flavio Briatore criticized the first decision concerning the original ‘spygate’, when McLaren wasn’t punished, despite their possession of Ferrari’s confidential data.

How could he now defend himself?