Lewis faces new 'spygate' threat

Lewis Hamilton's hopes of winning the World Drivers' Championship in his maiden season could once again be derailed by Formula One's so-called 'spygate' saga.

Hamilton's team McLaren have again vowed to continue to co-operate with the FIA investigation into their suspended chief designer's alleged acquisition of a 780-page Ferrari technical dossier after new evidence surfaced.

The manufacturers, who could face exclusion from this year's Formula One championship, were due to attend a Court of Appeal hearing in Paris next Thursday but that will not now take place.

Instead, the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) is to reconvene at the FIA headquarters to discuss what has come to light since they last met on July 26.

McLaren, who were found in possession of unauthorised documents belonging to rivals Ferrari, said: "McLaren Racing has been made aware that new evidence has been presented to the FIA as part of their ongoing investigation.

"As a result we have been informed the Court of Appeal Hearing scheduled for the September 13 in Paris will now comprise a meeting of the WMSC. McLaren will continue to co-operate fully with the FIA."

Much to Ferrari's annoyance, McLaren were not hit with any penalties by the WMSC due to "insufficient evidence".

And with pressure brought to bear on FIA president Max Mosley who chose to refer the issue to the Court of Appeal.

The FIA did clearly indicate after the WMSC hearing, though, that the matter was not entirely closed.

World motorsport's governing body said at the time: "If it is found in the future that the Ferrari information has been used to the detriment of the championship, we reserve the right to invite McLaren back in front of the WMSC where it will face the possibility of exclusion from not only the 2007 championship, but also the 2008 championship."

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