FIA to reopen F1 spy scandal hearing

The governing body FIA confirms that it has new evidence in the Ferarri-McLaren spying scandal.

The Formula One spying scandal involving the top two teams - Ferarri and McLaren - has been re-ignited with the governing body FIA confirming that it is in possession of new evidence.

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The World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) at its July hearing had decided against imposing any sanction on McLaren, who were accused of benefiting from the Ferrari documents that their now suspended chief designer Mike Coughlan had in his home.

The WMSC found the McLaren team 'not guilty' due to a lack of evidence.

However, FIA said in a statement on Wednesday that it had received new evidence in the case, and that a hearing was scheduled for September 13 in Paris.

McLaren again face the prospect of being thrown out of the F1 world championship and the FIA have invited the British team, along with Ferrari, to attend the meeting.

"Following receipt of new evidence, the World Motor Sport Council has been reconvened for a hearing in Paris Sep 13," read the statement.

At the July hearing, FIA had reserved the right to revisit the case by saying: "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."

With the new evidence, the governing body has exercised that right.