Formula 1 News

Spy Story: Paris World Motor Sport Council hearing adjourned for lunch 

World Motor Sport Council hearing in Paris has been adjourned for lunch, with proceedings now expected to go for longer than originally planned. The hearing involving McLaren and Ferrari began this morning at 9:30 am, with a large number of Formula One personnel present, including an unexpected appearance from Ross Brawn.

The former Ferrari technical director, who is on sabbatical, has come to the hearing to be on-hand for Ferrari should they need him to give testimony to the WMSC. Brawn has already given a written submission, but he could still be called to speak today if Ferrari need him. According to those present at the hearing room, Lewis Hamilton made a brief visit to the hearing room but was not questioned or examined. He has since left the FIA building.

The morning section was, rather, dominated primarily by a detailed examination of McLaren engineering director Paddy Lowe’s testimony. The proceedings, however, were marred by heated discussions, which have vastly prolonged the hearing beyond its original schedule. At lunch break, McLaren chief Ron Dennis and Mercedes motorsport director Norbert Haug went to lunch at a nearby hotel without making any comment, although the McLaren camp as a whole appeared upbeat. Among those teams represented in the hearing as observers are Williams, Renault, Spyker and Red Bull.

Spyker team chief Colin Kolles was coy when asked of his impression of the case so far. “Some things are very obvious, to be honest,” he said as he too left for lunch. The WMSC hearing will resume at 2:00 pm local time but is now expected to continue throughout the afternoon. McLaren are scheduled to hold a press conference an hour after the verdict is handed out.