Motorsport: McLaren wants some points back

McLaren aren't quite ready to lie down after the FIA stripped the team's constructor championship points. Photo / Reuters

LONDON - McLaren may still seek the restitution of 15 constructors' points from last month's Hungarian Grand Prix despite being told they will end the Formula One season with none because of a spying controversy.

An appeal hearing has been scheduled for Paris on Wednesday and the governing International Automobile Federation (FIA) today said McLaren had yet to tell them they were dropping the matter.

A McLaren spokeswoman said the Mercedes-powered team were still deliberating.

McLaren were fined US$100 million ($142 million) and stripped of all their 2007 constructors' points last week after the FIA found they had gained an advantage from Ferrari information in their possession.

That fine will be reduced by the revenue they would have received for their final championship position with the points scored up to the sanction being applied.

If the 15 points taken away in Hungary, for a qualifying controversy when Fernando Alonso impeded his teammate and championship leader Lewis Hamilton, were handed back then McLaren would have a notional tally of 181 rather than 166.

Ferrari are currently on 161 with a maximum of 54 points to be won from the remaining three races. BMW Sauber have 90.

If McLaren do not appeal against the spy hearing verdict and accept the fine, then Ferrari have won the constructors' championship.

- REUTERS