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Honda became the third team embroiled in Formula One's 'spy' controversy when they confirmed yesterday that the two men accused in the affair had approached them looking for jobs.
The British-based team, race winners last year but struggling with just one point so far this season, made clear however, that they had not been offered any leaked Ferrari technical information.
"Earlier this year Nigel Stepney, formerly of Scuderia Ferrari, requested a meeting with [Honda team boss] Nick Fry," Honda said in a statement at the British Grand Prix.
"Nigel Stepney subsequently met in June of this year with Nick Fry and brought with him Mike Coughlan of McLaren, with a view to investigating job opportunities within the Honda Racing F1 team.
"Honda would like to stress that at no point during this meeting was any confidential information offered or received.
"Nick Fry informed [Ferrari boss] Jean Todt and [McLaren's] Ron Dennis of the meeting and has offered to provide any information required by Ferrari and McLaren."
Earlier in the week Ferrari dismissed former technical manager Stepney, a 47-year-old Briton who played an important role in the team's golden period of dominance with seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher.
Stepney, who has denied any wrongdoing, fell out with Ferrari following the departure of technical director and compatriot Ross Brawn last year.
He accused Ferrari of 'dirty tricks' after media allegations of attempted sabotage emerged last month. He had been linked to Honda since February, when he made clear he was open to offers from other teams.
Ferrari have taken legal action against Stepney and a senior McLaren technical employee, widely identified in newspapers as chief designer Coughlan although still not named by that team, over "the theft of technical information".
Championship leaders McLaren have assured Ferrari none of the leaked information has been used in designing their race-winning car.
Briton David Coulthard, 36, the oldest driver on the Formula One starting grid, has extended his contract with Red Bull for another year and will again partner Australian Mark Webber in 2008.
Coulthard has won 13 grands prix from 219 starts.
- REUTERS
