Uh oh. Ferrari is upset. Very upset.

After McLaren escaped punishment (see news story) in yesterday's 'spy row' meeting of the FIA World Council, Ferrari published the following statement:

"Ferrari notes that Vodafone McLaren Mercedes has been found guilty by the FIA World Council.

"It therefore finds it incomprehensible that violating the fundamental principle of sporting honesty does not have, as a logical and inevitable consequence, the application of a sanction. Today's decision legitimises dishonest behavior in Formula One and sets a very serious precedent."

Crikey. Not mincing their words are they? Thing is, they've got a point. Yesterday's statement from the FIA read:

"The WMSC is satisfied that Vodafone McLaren Mercedes was in possession of confidential Ferrari information and is therefore in breach of article 151c of the International Sporting Code."

The spotlight now turns on McLaren's Mike Coughlan (the alleged recipient of the info) and Ferrari's Nigel Stepney, the alleged sender.

The FIA has invited the pair to 'show reason why they should not be banned from international motor sport for a lengthy period'.

Ferrari has also stated that it will 'continue with the legal action already under way within the Italian criminal justice system and in the civil court in England.'

We haven't heard the last of this, that's for sure...

Nick Trott