MONZA, Italy — Soon after the FIA announced that McLaren would be back in front of the World Motor Sport Council Sept. 13, McLaren put out a statement saying its lawyers advised its personnel to make no comment on the case prior to the hearing “where we intend to make a strong set of submissions.”
But Fernando Alonso had already talked about it with the Spanish press. Alonso’s quotes, translated to Italian and then to English may not be exactly what he said, but the gist of it comes through. Stories circulated that Alonso leaked information to the FIA that could harm McLaren and open the door for him to leave the team.
“I’ve been unfairly treated by the papers,” the Gazzetta dello Sport quoted Alonso saying. “I did not accuse the team. I just replied to the FIA with honesty and professionalism. It’s stupid to think that I might have replied to the FIA in order to damage the team, as I would do nothing but damaging myself. You must not forget I’m fighting for the championship.
“The FIA sent that letter to all the drivers, asking if we had anything on this matter. It was our duty to reply, by sending what we had. There was no other choice. I hope everyone understands that.”
During McLaren’s traditional “meet the team” at the track on Saturday, Ron Dennis declined to make specific comments on the case.
“Of course we’re aware of everything,” a weary sounding Dennis said, “and we’ll deal with it in a professional way at the World Council meeting.
“We know everything about the circumstances obviously, and how this new evidence came to light, and we have no further comment on that matter because we just can’t. Please understand that we can’t. It’s as simple as that.”