If Mclaren are really fast in 2008, will the mess start up again?

[Three Putt]

Mclaren is going to impose a development moratorium on three parts of the car that are in question. What does his imply, that there is stolen idea in those three areas?

The FIA Technical Dept report reads that the braking system on the 08 car had been influenced by the receipt of Ferrari information. Also, the report claims the engineers had prepared to use the confidential info to its advantage in developing the 2007 and 2008 cars.

If all they have to do is stop developing, will the parts otherwise be permitted to remain on the car? This sounds to me like a dangerous decision. Imagine if Mclaren are really fast in 2008, which of the other teams will again suggest their car has stolen ideas on it? If they don't have to completely re-design their car to clear it completely, I think they are giving other teams a big target!

All the teams will be running Mclaren-designed ECUs next year as well. It sounds like a recipe for something explosive, if Mclaren's 08 car is fast
Ran out of characters in the original Q. My point is: if Mclaren is allowed to simply stop developing those questionable parts further and do not have to remove them completely from their car, are they not leaving themselves exposed to criticism from other teams?

It would be irrelevant if Mclaren is slow in '08. If their car is dominant, won't that doubt and suspicion be there again? I don't want to see another spy mess in 08.
rosbif, I'd really like to read your comments on this possible scenario.

 

[Dawg]

Well if McLaren stole it, then Ferrari have the same info since that is where it came from so in all likelyhood even if McLaren had not been caught then at best they'd be even with Ferrari and not lightyears ahead...unless of course they made better use of the data. Personally I think all the turmoil and financial challenges have to be a distraction to McLaren and it will be a tough deal just to be ready for the new season.

 

[Alex M]

I belive the ECU will be a mess for everyone includig the FIA.

 

[Dawg]

Well if McLaren stole it, then Ferrari have the same info since that is where it came from so in all likelyhood even if McLaren had not been caught then at best they'd be even with Ferrari and not lightyears ahead...unless of course they made better use of the data. Personally I think all the turmoil and financial challenges have to be a distraction to McLaren and it will be a tough deal just to be ready for the new season.

 

[Firefox]

McLaren will forever be haunted by the stigma of the spy scandal. They can never be fast again without eyebrows being raised. For ages Ferrari have been accused of cheating, now McLaren has confessed and Renault is convicted. With the top three teams plagued with dark history (or allegations thereof) I'd believe that it would be an "even playing ground" in 2008! At least, most of the fans would have realized that there arent many angels around in this sport.

With two relatively inexperienced drivers and all the financial implications, I dont foresee the McLarens to be speed demons in 2008. (They werent so in 2007 despite the tactical advantage, they were just more reliable). Any remnants of stolen technology would be that of 2007 or maybe 2006. I am sure Ferrari would have better stuff by now and they might not object to it. And McLaren would definitely try a redesign because they wouldn't like their racer to be branded "part-Ferrari".

As for ECUs, they would be well scrutinized and there wouldnt be a possiblility of sabotage. My prediction for 2008 is a Ferrari vs Renault shootout and Lewis Hamilton being introduced into the harsh reality of F1 racing.