McLaren await to learn Monaco GP fate

McLaren are waiting to hear if they are to suffer any sanctions after Formula One bosses launched a probe into the orchestrated one-two finish at the Monaco Grand Prix.

Reigning world champion Fernando Alonso led home team-mate Lewis Hamilton on the tight Monte Carlo street circuit on Sunday afternoon.

As a result, Alonso and Hamilton are level on 38 points at the top of the World Drivers' Championship standings, five points clear of nearest challenger Felipe Massa of Ferrari, whose team-mate Kimi Raikkonen is a further ten points off the pace.

Motorsport's governing body, the FIA, is investigating the result after rookie Hamilton claimed he was told "to ease off" in the 78-lap race by the team in order they score maximum points and further cement their place at the top of the World Constructors' Championship.

Team principal Ron Dennis also stated that, given the nature of the race, "you virtually have to decide in advance which of the team's drivers will claim the victory".

Dennis maintains that is in the event of a potential safety-car incident, as had occurred in four of the previous five grands prix in Monaco.

As there were no accidents, Alonso was the main beneficiary of the team's strategy, whereas Hamilton would have emerged the victor if the safety car had been deployed.

Dennis further insisted: "We are scrupulously fair at all times in how we run this grand prix team."

Motorsport's governing body said: "The FIA has launched an investigation into incidents involving the McLaren Mercedes team at the 2007 Monaco Grand Prix in light of a possible breach of the International Sporting Code.

"The relevant evidence is under review and a further announcement will be made in due course."

The FIA's investigation should take a matter of days to conclude and, if McLaren are found guilty of contravening Article 151c of the International Sporting Code by way of 'any fraudulent conduct, or any act prejudicial to the interests of any competition, or to the interests of motorsport generally', they are most likely to face a reprimand or fine.

In extreme cases the FIA could opt to deduct points, although in this instance that is highly unlikely.

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