The stupidity and scale of the alleged exchange between the drivers ,by e mail ,surely must put them in a category bordering on cheating-A poor show from the current World champ-what deterant has been shown for others drivers and mechanics /associates to follow?? a disgrace to sporting culture !!!!

Dr.Keith G Skelton , Dubai, UAE

A number of McLaren employees - including Pedro de la Rosa and Fernando Alonso - knew about the team’s unauthorised possession of confidential Ferrari information, and some intended to use that information in the team’s own testing.

That was among the findings of the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council, which published its full judgement on Friday afternoon following its decision to strip McLaren of their 2007 constructors' points and fine the team $100 million...

Roy King, Manchester, England

McLaren boss Ron Dennis has revealed that he was the source of the new evidence that prompted the FIA to revisit the spying case. Well it looks like the two spaniards were conspireing with each other to obtain an advantage with stolen data. They have cost this great team credibility cash and points. Lewis was not implicated in any way. I predict after this that McClaren will make sure that their loyal honest employee will win the drivers championship. But then again, lets be honest he does'nt need any help, he is the best. Go back to Renault Alonso.

Roy King, Manchester, England

What I do not understand is why are Alonso and De la Rosa involved in the case while Hamilton is not?

The car, the setup, the tyres, the gas to fill them, the weight distribution, etc. are equal for Alonso and for Hamilton, or very similar.

Where was Hamilton while Alonso and De la Rosa were discussing such technical matters and performing tests to improve the car? Is not Hamilton usually involved in technical discussions? Is not he in contact with the engineers? Isn't he helping to setup the car? Or, has he the setup done for him by the other two? Do he copy the car setup from Alonso, as many have claimed (mainly in Spain, of course)? Would the technicicians share the secret information only with alonso and the la Rosa?

I simply can't believe that, Hamilton must have known too.

pepe perez, Malaga, Spain

Facts:
Spying, Unfair advantage (in the Cars), Punishment (for the cars), Money (Mercedes and other sponsors pay), pilots get the points amda the laurels (...very strange and unfair)-
FInal: Championship is Mclarens in the end, Alonso goes to renault not paying to quit Maclaren. Everybody wins but the fans that get ripped off their time and interest. Lets watch football, champ cars, WTCC, etc

Antonio Ribeiro, Porto, Portugal

I can't believe that alonso is still in the running to be world champion!! He is making a mockery of the sport by racing this weekend. I that the 100 million is excessive i would much rather see 0 points next to alonso.

Gabe, Los angeles , USA

Now I'm waiting for the spannish supporters. Maybe they'll say that Hamilton got a uncle in the Council. What people will say now? Alonso copied data from Ferrari with his camrade Pedro and he told everybody that Lewis uses "his" data. If he had shame in his face....

Aquilla Legion, Praia, Cape Verde

beautiful pics... and really free of connotations.

luigi, bath, england

are you trying to blame Alonso and De la Rosa of the spygate of mclaren-ferrari? what a crawling maneuver in orther to discredit Alonso and his mate! don´t worry, if Fernando is a problem for the team, he will leave but being the 2007 f1 champion ,NO DOUBT ABOUT IT

PACO, toledo, spain

I have wasted my time watching F1 this season. There are a lot of good drivers in F1, but ultimately, it is the car that will determine who will win the races. Mclaren cheated in order to get the fastest car, the whole competition is ruined. I don't care how good Hamilton is, he is only wining races because his car is the fastest, he had an unfair advantage. I don't care who wins now, the competition has been tarnished with this scandal

Norman, Warwick, UK

According to the FIA 15 page report, McLaren unlawfully applied Ferrari technology in more than 4 important areas of their car's advancement including aerodynamics and weight distribution. Read the report for yourself and see how F1 fans have been deceived by F1 management and the press as to the extent of McLaren's fraud. What is now clear is that Alanso and Hamilton gained an unfair advantage due to a steady stream of Ferrari intellectual property being relayed to and employed by McLaren. Shame on all of you who were involved and / or tried to shift the attention away from the truth!

Dirk, Vredenburg, South Africa

In light of the information that has finally come to light, the fine seems herrendous (I know thats spelt wrong). And the point deduction terrible. Thousands of employees are at maclaren not just the boss and 2 drivers, their the engineers, mechanics, designers, builders, constructors, all the way down to the admin and catering team. To punish them for what appears to be the actions of one or two people is very very wrong and seems to put the sport even further into a bad light!!!!!!

Amy, Worcester, Worcestershire

"there are reports that Dennis subsequently made the decision to inform the FIA"?!?! Now, that's a joke!!
He's been telling everyone he and ALL his team ARE (still!) totally innocent the whole time since july, and now you suggest he decided to inform the FIA (i.e. commit suicide)?? Come on!

They have cheated, and now they're out. End of the story.

Even if Ron "lamb" Dennis keeps denying the evidence.

Iain, Glasgow,

How they escapped 100% ban is beyond any belief. This year's Championship is now tainted. The bigger picture is that all McLaren cars benefited from test data fraudulantly obtained, and that includes Hamilton as well.

I reckone Alonso attacking Shumi accusing him of cheating when he is the cream of the top in that business.

Musonza, Leeds, UK

Industrial spying is a criminal offence, so justice should make its course as well.

From a sport point of view, I agree with previous comments: McLaren pilots had an unfair advantage - beside being directly involved - and should withdraw "motu proprio" or being excluded.

Just to use an analogy: should a thief caught with the goods he has stolen being rewarded keeping them just because he has confessed?

Roberto, Madrid, Spain

Everyone spies on each other, that's not hard to imagine. But the whole story looks to me as though both Fernando and Pedro were well aware of the confidentiallity of the FERRARI docs. I guess there are more McLaren staff members involved in this, and their contracts should be rescinded at once... unless this type of behaviour is the order of the day, or the whole team is to be dismissed (that's not a practical solution)... I bet they will all remain there - they have a good excuse to get rid of Alonso though.
The three pilots are guilty. The sanction seems too compassionate. FERRARI should win Constructors and Pilots Championships.
A lesson to learn: Do not trust women if you want to spy on your competitor.

Sum1 who worships Alonso almost as much as Justice, Madrid, Spain

Bad, really bad. I know it has to be hard to say 'no' to data that can help you, but come on, knowing where it came from, your "ethic bell" needs to go off!

I am surprised by Alonso being involved, but to be honest, I am even MORE surprised about Pedro's role in all this!

However, knowing that Ron should have known about this, at least since Hungary, and seeing him "trying" to hug Alonso in Monza after winning... something does not add up here. My reading? It was not only those 3 being involved... Ron has to have had some part in this, in my opinion.

If I was Ron, and I was not involved, Alonso would have NOT driven the car in Monza! And not only he did... he won!

Weird, very weird... more things will come up. This is not finished!

Jose, San Diego, CA, USA

Why protect Alonso? It is very apparent from the evidence that he is involved and should be punished as well. Simply put, Alonso is involved and guilty and should be nailed!

Furthermore, both Alonso and also Hamilton should rightfully be stripped of their drivers' points because Maclaren is guilty and the drivers are driving Maclaren cars which are using Ferrari's technology.

eddy, US, Michigan

An unfortunate consequence for fans and the validity of F1 as a true competitive sport is that the team's results this season are suspect.

This impacts each of the McLaren drivers - whether directly involved or indirectly involved. If information in the WMSC decision is shown to be correct, and Hamilton didn't know about these back-channel dealings, that does not exclude the genuine plausibility (and, in my view, likely-hood) that those involved in designing, testing, and maintaining his car didn't have unfair advantage, thus granting by proxy an unfair advantage to Hamilton.

At best, Hamilton's results are tainted. I feel that 2008 season results are at risk as well, but it is too early for me to worry about that yet.

As a fan that bleeds Ferrari Red, there is no sense of victory for me. This is not a situation that has a winner and a loser. Everyone involved has lost something, including the fans.

Philip D'Amato, East Stroudsburg, USA / Pennsylvania

I was quite shocked by the penalty imposed on McClaren by the WMSC but greatly relieved that the drivers were not penalised, that was until I read the disclosures about Fernando Alonso and saw the interview with Bernie Ecclestone.

It is clear that Ron Dennis is a very honest and honourable man, however the behaviour of the two drivers involved was quite disgraceful. The only guilt that may be attached to Ron Dennis is in having faith and trust in the basic integrity of those drivers involved, particularly the 'double word champion'.

We saw during the practice for the Hungarian Grand Prix that Fernando Alonso would happily cheat his own team mate in order to gain an advantage on the track. However his behaviour in relation to this current matter defies belief. Yet again Fernando Alonso's lack of integrity has resulted in sanctions being imposed on McClaren by the FIA.

What a great example this man is to the sport. I wonder which team he will drive for next season, if any?

Donovan Wright, Reading, Berkshire

Did I read right?
"you can't play with my ball!"
In your opinion such a complex and costly "toy" as an F1 prototype can be compared to a popular plaything like a ball?
I just use horse-sense; millions of man-day specialised work have been stolen and made up illegal merchandise; let alone fair play and sport! let alone the sponsors image. Deeds are deeds. If there has been a mistake by the conservative FIA OK. Prove it. If not accept the verdict. Apparently the very pilots knew. Given the relevant technology involved in F1 races, it's not wrong that even the knowing pilots should have been touched. They co-operated with the judging organ; that they did so is meaningful. Personally I think that they were given a chance so that a supposed sport crime (and not only so) should not end up unpunished. Onus probationis is now with Mc Laren. It''s certainly a large fine, that will also cause unjust damage for some workers, also for the F1 circus. Shall we do as if nothing has happened?

Monte, Milano , Italy

The FIA have seen fit to offer both Hamilton and Alonso imunity from punishment in this matter. Alonso was intstumental in the whole scandal activly pursuing information for use in testing. Wether this information has or hasn't been used to the advantage of McLaren is subject to spectulation. However Alonso's conduct should be investgated by McLaren and appropriate action be taken. Coughlan was suspended from his position and Alonso should not walk away from his actions unscathed.

John Mothersdale, Pickering, England, North Yorkshire

Chinese are famous to copy and produce fake copy and they are under strong attack, apparently they are not the only ones.

sam, shanghai, china

Why was only the team punished? and not the drivers too? Are the cars legal Hamilton and Alonso are driving? If the cars are not legal, why are they still allowed to be on the track? Very strange kind of justice!!

J.Herbst, Palma de Mallorca, Spain

There is an spanish saying about people like Mr. Hamilton. It says something like "no bad word, no good action". The only person who has broke balance between the two drivers is Hamilton (breaking team rules). Alonso has not very good talking about Mc Laren, that is just words, but no misbehavior can be blamed on him.

Jon Wolf, bilbao, spain

Do not try to put Alonso in the center of this huge mess. We know he is not best diplomatic behavior, but the responsability of this matter belongs to Mc Laren staff, headed by Ron, not the drivers.

Jon Wolf, bilbao, spain

so, no one is able to say anything anymore to defend mclaren? do you need something more?...and do not tell hamilton is not in...his car benefited also from the test results Alonso did...Hamilton does not know yet what set-up and testing is...

ron, london, uk

Hi, my name is Santi and i´m from Spain. I want to say something about Alonso. He is a very good driver but a little bit stupid and this is the reason to this scandal. He´s a bad loser and he don´t want to admit that your man(Hamilton) is better than he. Here in Spain, all the press is with Alonso. It´s normal. But a lot of people are thinking in his actitude with the supporters. We are really desappointment. Congratulations for your driver and good luck with this championship. Cheers.

Santi, Bilbao, Spain

If the claims are true? Then Ron has no choice - Alonso and De La Rossa must go!

Disappointed F1 fan, Birmingham,

It looks like Alonso should be moving on at the end of the season. What is at stake is the issue of trust, which may be lacking in both directions (please understand the "may be" as an understatement).

I hope the fight for the driver's title is a clean one in the next four races.

Michel Angstadt, Serranillos del Valle, (Madrid) Spain

Both Hamilton and Alonso should be stripped of their points, what a hollow victory if they do win. I guess it explains why they are 1st and 2nd. They must need it to make up for their lack of skill.

James, Mallorca, Spain

Update the Seven pillars of Wisdom
"If a thief steals something, the victim is also a thief".

Monte, Milano , Italy

Let's be honest. Ferrari is not an example of fair play either. I hope Mclaren gives the same chance to both drivers during the last races. Alonso won't be in Mclaren next year and it will be very easy for the team to give Lewis more chances.

Alex, Paris,

I would add that I do not understand why drivers where not punished although collaborating with FIA. It seems a great discount for Hamilton and Alonso. Their credibility is put to the blame.

Philippe, toulouse, France

i am a mclaren fan, but i think mclaren should withraw from this years race if it has any integrity

chris, dubai, uae

Going through the FIA decision document you can't escape the conclusion that there was widespread use of Ferrari confidential enformation to enhance the McLaren car. It is a shame that drivers did not got any points deducted which would have been totally justified given that they had an unfair and illegal advantage. Perhpas this is a usual compromise not to alienate the most partisan McLaren fans.

Has anybody thought that Mercedes might pull out? Norbert Haug came out in support according to the press reports but I'm still not so sure about the Mercedes management. Their reputation is definitely hurt by being associated with McLaren.

Bill, Chicago, U.S.A.

For once it appears that it is the British that use unlawful tactics to gain advantage in sport. It is a pity because we Italians have always looked at Britain as the example of fairness which should be followed. Nobody is perfect !!

R. Marsili, Rome, Italy

The information was useless for McLaren, the weight distribution and the other things being so different.
Alonso is going to win the Championship in a brilliant way. Fernando is the best!

Carlos, Sevilla, Spain

A Ferrari man gives information to one person in a team that is beating Ferrari. The other team do not use that information and continue to beat Ferrari. Ferrari then complain that the other team has the information which it's employee has given them. The other team then get punished. So, by leaking useless data and then complaining about it, Ferrari get yet another dodgy 'win'. And we're supposed to think that the FIA is impartial !!!

TJ, Bristol, England

That prooves that Ferrari was rigth and MacLare should have been descualified at least for two years, and pilots to.

Carlos, Puebla, Mexico

Alonso and Hamilton should do the right thing and withdraw from the drivers championship. Their positions in the championship standings is due to an unfair advantage and either of them claiming to the F1 drivers crown would be extremely distasteful.

Joe, Marshall, London

i am not a mcl fan.,i support ferrari but as a fan of F1 i am ashmed of what happened!

bilyana, Sofia,, bulgaria

It looks as thought the appropriate action from McLaren should be to nullify Alonso and De La Rosa's contracts?

RuAsh, London, Great Britain

Lewis also had that information, but he ins't brave enough to recognize it.

andres, huelva, Spain

It should be remembered, that there is no initiative of Maclaren to spy on Ferrari. Merely Ferrari offered data to the rest of the world. Therefore Ferrari should be punished as well. Or, even better, abolish the whole silly subject, because everyone is everywhere spying on each other in F1

Wilhelmina Geleick, Belgern, Deutschland/Sachsen